Chelsea FC's Predicted Starting Lineup 2016/2017

Chelsea FC’s Predicted Starting Lineup 2016/2017

(Top L-R) Chelsea's Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma, Chelsea's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, Chelsea's English defender John Terry and Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (bottom L-R) Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Oscar, Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea's Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman, Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Ramires and Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian pose before a UEFA Chamions league group stage football match between Chelsea and Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge stadium in west London on November 4, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /

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Cesc Fabregas /

Cesc Fabregas

If Willian is the engine of Chelsea’s new system, than the Spaniard will be the conductor. Artfully distributing the ball the way he sees fit, Fabregas will pull the strings in Chelsea’s midfield.

He’ll play a similar role to Andrea Pirlo at Juventus. The best thing that Chelsea can do is protect him and give him time on the ball. If he’s able to stay in form, he’ll find the right passes and allow Chelsea to be prosperous in attack.

Whether he picks out runners on a counter attack or is playing the incisive passes that are needed to break down tight defenses, Fabregas will be imperative to the attack in West London next season.

With Willian at his right, and Matic behind him, Fabregas should be allowed time on the ball. Chelsea have struggled this season when the Spanish midfielder has been called upon to defend more than he should. His skill lies elsewhere and the Blues must adapt. His offensive skills outweigh the need for him to defend and Conte will recognize this.

Overall, Fabregas will be key in Chelsea’s starting lineup next season.

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