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Writer:Nelson Nnadi
Edits:Moses Iluebbey
After a hugely succeessful season winning the league and making it to the finals of the f.a cup in his first season, Antonio Conte,(and his killer 3-4-3 formation) like every other normal human being should expect teams to step up their game whenever they face his team. This clearly justifies reasons why he has visited the transfer market in a bid to bolster his squad
Today we’ll be taking a look at what Chelsea’s line-up could possibly look like next season
G.K—:THIBAUT COURTIOUS
Courtious as most of his Chelsea team mates,had a disappointing 2015/16 season. But he bounced back this year in spectacular fashion and went on to win the golden gloves at the end of the season. His talks for a new contract have stalled but with Chelsea not in the market for a new keeper,(caballero certainly cannot be deemed a keeper) the situation seems to be under control. He should still save his spot as Conte’s first choice.
RCB—:AZPILICUETA
azi played every second for Chelsea last season, getting a goal and 4 assists in the process. He definitely is sure to secure his spot in the xi
CB—:DAVID LUIZ
The Brazilian’s £34m return to the bridge was questioned by most fans. He however, proved critics wrong with his outstanding showings from the heart of the blue defense. This should be enough to guarantee a starting spot come next year
RCB—:LEONARDO BONUCCI
Conte has stressed his desire to re unite with 1 of the players that kept him going while at both the Azurri and Old lady…Chelsea seems to be the favourites to sign him for a fee around £50-60m
LWB—:ALEX SANDRO
Conte has expressed his desire to build a team that can play with different styles,Sandro will give him the opportunity to do that. The Brazilian can play as an LMF too and as a proper left back. Reports in Italy claim personal terms have been agreed upon by the two parties for a proposed £60m move
RWB—:VICTOR MOSES
After series of loan spells,Moses got his long awaited chance under Conte. At the end of the season, it was obvious dat picking moses over experienced stars in the mould of Ivanovic wasn’t a bad idea after all.Arguably chelsea’s top player for the season although most blues’ fans don’t really seem to have forgiven him for his unsportsman-like dive against arsenal which they think cost them the f.a cup. Anyway,Conte will be foolish to let such a mistake ruin his team. I still think moses will retain his spot
CM—:N’GOLO KANTE
Conte has repeated severally that he wants Kante,thereby warding of suspected interests from teams like PSG and why wouldnt he. Voted PFA player of the year, kante replicated his leicester title winning season and some…his £30m move from Leicester proved to b Conte’s best decision last summer and will definitely keep his place
CM—:BAKAYOKO
Chelsea are surely front runners in the race to land Monaco star bakayoko for a fee in the region of £35-40mn and with the Matic to Man utd deal almost done, a place in the xi awaits him
RW—:PEDRO
HIs first season in England was a disaster. But he bounced back dis year in style providing 14 goals and 9 assists as he helped his team win the league and reach the f.a cup final
LW—:EDEN ‘HAZARDOUS’ HAZARD
Conte’s 3-4-3 formation helped to bring out the best from hazard as it provided for less defensive work for the Belgian magician. 17 goals and 9 assists were what he gave conte back for his continouos trust in him. Definitely, he’ll be a part of the XI
ST—:LUKAKU
The big belgian scored 26 goals and made 6 assists. Need i say more to prove his ability? With costa on his way out, chelsea are hot on the heels of the belgian in attempt to bring him back to the bridge
If this team eventually materializes, then England may have just found a team to bring the ucl trophy to the English soil.