Playing for 90
Fansided

Chelsea: How Frank Lampard could lineup next season

By Ashwin Varkey

Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud (3rd-L) celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud (3rd-L) celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Chelsea
Jerome Boateng, Bayern Munich (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /

Chelsea need to add some experience into this young, inexperienced defence

Right-back: Reece James
The revolutionary Reece James has taken over this position ever since Lampard gave him his first start. He has been involved in 17 games this season and his most important contribution came against Ajax where he tormented the Ajax defence with his crosses and scored a goal as well to secure a draw.

James is quick on the feet and puts in crosses to Tammy Abraham with relative ease. He has 2 assists in the Premier League and is a constant threat down the right flank. His defensive abilities need a bit more polishing, and so Lampard will look towards a suitable backup.

Center-backs: Antonio Rudiger and Jerome Boateng
The Blues need a centre-back this summer.​Chelsea are struggling in this position except for Antonio Rudiger has established himself as a crucial part of Lampard’s team. The German’s combination of pace, power and passing ability makes him a real threat on the pitch. While he’s prone to errors, Zouma averages more successful aerial duels per 90 minutes (4.0) than any of his teammates.

One of Lampard’s most significant changes was adding Fikayo Tomori into central defence. The youngster’s ability to pass out from the back is excellent and has taken the pressure off Jorginho. According to Whoscored, Tomori attains 2.3 aerial duels per game and has a pass success of 88%.

But the inexperienced Chelsea defense has shipped 39 goals in 29 games and 12 goals in Champions League. For a side that had world-class defenders like Terry, Ron Harris, Carvalho and Cahill, the current squad needs an upgrade.

The rumours started with Kouilibaily but have ended looking at Bayern outcast Jerome Boateng as a possible option. During his time in Germany, Boateng has improved composure on the ball and his ability to dissect the opposition’s midfield. He has been an essential part of the side which has won 15 trophies, including domestic titles and one Champions League trophy.

Left-back: Nicolas Tagliafico
With Emerson likely to be sold, Marcos Alonso is the only viable option. Alonso isn’t the best defensive player, but he is a threat going forward. His lack of pace will be the main reason why Lampard will look at Alex Telles from Porto and Ben Chilwell from Leicester.

But Chilwell and Telles are linked with PSG, and so Chelsea are looking at Ajax Amsterdam again. Chelsea will seal a deal for around £22 million For Nicolas Tagalifico. According to WhoScored, Tagliafico scored two goals and assisted four for Ajax last season. The left-back also scored three goals in Champions League matches in 2018-19.

Home/Chelsea FC