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5 players Chelsea must upgrade to get back in the Champions League

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Sesc Fabregas (2nd R) of Chelsea reacts after scoring his team's second goal from the penalty during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on March 19, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Sesc Fabregas (2nd R) of Chelsea reacts after scoring his team's second goal from the penalty during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on March 19, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Nemanja Matic of Chelsea and Aleksandar Mitrovic of Newcastle United compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on February 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Nemanja Matic of Chelsea and Aleksandar Mitrovic of Newcastle United compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on February 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

3. Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matic’s drop in performance from last season to this year hasn’t captured the same amount of headlines as some of his teammates, but his decrease has been dramatic. His Whoscored.com player average has dropped over half a point from last season to this year.

Matic should thank Eden Hazard for his poor performance this season. It’s only because of the Belgian’s struggles that the Serbian international has escaped immense criticism himself. It’s one of the most under reported stories of the Chelsea season.

Some Chelsea fans will claim it’s prudent to hope Matic will experience a rebound in performance, but I don’t think they can afford to rely on that hope. It’s certainly possible he’s just having a down year, but they can’t risk that not being the case.

The need to upgrade over Matic is only intensified by the fact that Cesc Fabregas will likely start in Chelsea’s other defensive midfield spot. His athletic limitations require the Blues to partner him with an exceptional athlete. Matic has to be dynamic to play alongside the skillful Spaniard and he hasn’t shown the capability at all this season.

Chelsea would be better served to purchase a world-class partner for Fabregas and take the pressure off of Matic. If he regains his form from two seasons ago, then great, Conte will have a terrific problem on his hands. If not, they can utilize him to provide cover for the starters.

Next: 2. Oscar

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