chelsea news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s failed wonderkids who failed to make the grade and where they are now, including Kakuta, McEachran and more

      by

      IT is all about the kids at Chelsea these days.
      Tammy Abraham is leading the line, Mason Mount is the creative force and boss Frank Lampard is purring over recent England call-up Reece James.

      7

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is giving youth a chance at Stamford Bridge Credit: EPA

      But this is a club who have been known for nabbing and nurturing some of English football’s finest, only for them to fail to make the grade.
      SunSport takes a look back at seven of the most memorable boy wonders who shone bright early on before burning out.
      GAEL KAKUTA
      The name will remain synonymous with off-field controversy at Stamford Bridge, but Kakuta was once the brightest young thing at the club.
      Chelsea were hit with a 16-month transfer ban by Fifa in 2009 for allegedly inducing Kakuta to break his contract with French club Lens in 2007.

      The move appeared to be worth it as Kakuta won Academy Player of the Year, finished top scorer for the youth side and won the U19 European Championship with France.
      When he made his first-team debut in 2009 after a four-month ban from Fifa, a Mail on Sunday article was headlined: “Chelsea’s new wonder boy worth all the fuss”.
      A decade later, Kakuta signed with French club Amiens in what is the 13th professional club of his career.

      7

      Gael Kakuta signed with Chelsea in 2007 but now plays for French club Amiens, pictured right
      The 28-year-old went out on loan to six clubs during six years with Chelsea’s first-team before eventually moving on to Sevilla.

      There were a couple of years in China and a return to Spain before switching to France.
      Embarrassingly, Kakuta was embroiled in a court case in 2014 when a broke former footballer masqueraded as him to fund a luxury lifestyle.
      Medi Abalimba was jailed after racking up huge bills in hotels and nightclubs pretending to be the Chelsea star.
      Abalimba was released from jail and earlier this year was seen kissing Love Island star Georgia Steel.
      At the beginning of the season, Amiens loaned Kakuta to Lens.
      JOSH MCEACHRAN
      Back in 2010, a 17-year-old McEachran emerged as the brightest young talent in the Chelsea academy.
      The Blues fought off the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United to sign the teenager.
      McEachran was expected to evolve from starlet to star at Chelsea and, in turn, be the successor to Frank Lampard’s crown in midfield.

      7

      Josh McEachran was expected to become a Chelsea superstar and had an ill-fated spell at Brentford
      Then England U21s boss Stuart Pearce said: “He’s got a really outstanding talent, similar to Jack Wilshere, and it bodes well for England.
      “If Josh and Jack were wearing Spanish shirts, you would revere them.”
      The arrival of Andre Villas-Boas to Stamford Bridge in 2011 brought an end to McEachran’s progression and he sought opportunities on loan.
      He was sent out to five clubs in three years, from Watford to Wigan, but struggled to settle at any.
      In 2015, he broke free of Chelsea’s loan army and joined Brentford on a permanent deal, a move which had highs and lows until his release this summer.
      McEachran, now 27, is playing for Birmingham City.

      BERTRAND TRAORE
      The repercussions of Traore’s move to Chelsea in 2013 was felt last summer at Stamford Bridge.
      Lampard’s inability to make any signings when the Blues were slapped with a transfer ban was due to Traore’s arrival back in 2013.

      7

      Bertrand Traore, pictured right with Lyon, ended up playing just 16 times for Chelsea
      Traore’s move to Chelsea was one of the key components in Fifa’s evidence as part of an investigation into the club’s signing of foreign players under the age of 18.
      Fifa said it found breaches in 29 cases out of the 92 investigated.
      In the end, Traore played just 16 times for Chelsea and departed for Lyon in an £8.8m move in 2017.
      In France, he impressed scoring 21 goals in 87 games for the club.
      His return to form earned Traore a summer move to Aston Villa for a fee believed to be around £17million.
      SLOBODAN RAJKOVIC
      When a 16-year-old Rajkovic signed for Chelsea in 2005, it was seen as a giant coup.
      The centre-back, tipped to succeed John Terry in defence, had spent the previous summer at Arsenal’s youth camp.
      The majority of Europe’s big beasts were looking to sign the talented defender, including Man United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan and Monaco.
      A work permit stalled Rajkovic’s progression at Chelsea so he was sent to Holland on loan, to PSV, Twente and then Vitesse Arnhem.

      7

      Slobodan Rajkovic was wanted by Europe’s biggest clubs and enjoyed a stint at Palermo
      Villas-Boas gave the Serbian centre-back his first start for Chelsea, in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wycombe Wanderers in 2011.
      The same year Rajkovic was sold to Hamburg in a £1.8m deal.
      His career never really ignited, making just 42 appearances for the German side in four years.
      Rajkovic spent three years with Italian club Palermo but was released after Palermo finished bottom of Serie B.
      The boy once wanted by all is now plying his trade in Russia with FC Lokomotiv Moscow.
      DOMINIC SOLANKE
      Jose Mourinho made it clear how much potential Solanke had at Chelsea.
      Back in 2014, in his second stint as Stamford Bridge boss, Mourinho named Solanke in a list of players who would be representing their countries in a few years.
      “In this moment, we have players who will be Chelsea players.  And when they become Chelsea players, they will become England players, almost for sure,” Mourinho said.
      Quite understandable given Solanke success in the youth ranks.
      He was England’s Youth Player of the Year in 2014, Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year the following season and earned his first-team debut aged just 17.

      7

      Solanke was Chelsea’s academy star striker but ended up being sold to Liverpool before joining Bournemouth

      Solanke was the prolific goalscorer who helped Chelsea to successive FA Youth Cups in 2014 and 2015, as well as a Uefa Youth League.
      But two years ago, at the age of 19, Solanke opted for a new beginning having not seen first-team opportunities come his way.
      He headed for Merseyside with Liverpool where he made 21 appearances in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team but only scored on the final day of the 2017-18 season.
      Bournemouth forked out a whopping £19m for the 23-year-old last year, which showed there is still expectation over his potential.
      ISLAM FERUZ
      Liverpool star Andrew Robertson once described Feruz, his then team-mate at Celtic, as the “golden boy” of the Scottish youth football.
      Feruz was plucked away by Chelsea in 2011, aged 15, to be another star at the club’s Cobham academy.
      But such promise didn’t translate into success for the striker as he was sent out on loan to Crete, Blackpool, Hibernian, Royal Excel Mouscron and Swindon Town.

      7

      Islam Feruz is now without a club having been known as the ‘golden boy’ of Scottish football
      And when his contract at Chelsea came to an end in 2017 he was released.
      Despite only being 25 years old, Feruz has now been without a club for two years and set up a baseball cap brand in the meantime.
      Over five years as a Blues player, and sent on as many loans, Feruz made just 20 professional appearances and scored no goals.
      Chelsea deemed the striker, once the darling of Scottish youth football, to have lost his potential.

      Watch Lampard show up unwanted Bakayoko in training by stealing possession off him during Chelsea training session More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea 3 Southampton 3: Kepa howler and injury-time goal see Blues throw away two-goal lead

      by

      TIMO WERNER and Kai Havertz scored their first Premier League goals but it wasn’t enough as Chelsea were held by Southampton.
      The German scored a sensational double to put Frank Lampard’s side two goals to the good inside the first half-hour but Danny Ings halved their advantage when he latched onto a through ball from Che Adams and rounded Kepa.

      4

      Timo Werner found the bottom corner after a mazy dribble for the openerCredit: Simon Dael – The Times

      Adams equalised for Saints in the 57th minute after another Kepa mishap but Chelsea restored their lead just two minutes later when Werner set up Havertz for a tap-in.
      But a late equaliser from Jannik Vestergaard earned Southampton a deserved point at Stamford Bridge to consign Chelsea to a second 3-3 draw in three games.

      4

      Werner lofted the ball over the onrushing Alex McCarthy before tapping into an empty net for Chelsea’s secondCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

      4

      Ings rounded Kepa to make it 2-1Credit: Getty – Pool

      4

      Kepa got himself into a mess for Southampton’s equaliser and Adams thumped the ball homeCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

      Frank Lampard confirms Chelsea stopper Edouard Mendy out of Southampton clash More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea flop Kepa makes yet another howler as world record keeper bottles tackle to hand Southampton a goal

      by

      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA made yet another howler after a defensive mix-up in Chelsea’s 3-3 draw with Southampton.
      The Spaniard was played a terrible pass back by defender Kurt Zouma, which put Che Adams through on goal.

      1

      Kepa made yet another howler after a defensive mixup against SouthamptonCredit: Reuters

      Kepa looked hesitant as he came off his line and completely pulled out of a challenge on the striker.
      Adams kept the ball in play and after getting it out of his feet, he was able to smash into the roof of the net to level the game at 2-2.
      World record keeper Kepa – signed from Athletico Bilbao for £71.6 million in 2018 – was only handed a start because summer arrival Edouard Mendy is injured.
      The blundering stopper faced yet more criticism from Blues fans online.

      Premier League legend Gary Lineker tweeted: “So many goals, I can’t keep up. Bit like poor Kepa at the moment.”
      Another said: “That is awful by Zouma and what absolutely cowardly behaviour by Kepa.”
      One added: “Kepa is absolutely awful. Good grief.”

      So many goals, I can’t keep up. Bit like poor Kepa at the moment. Another cracking goal from Chelsea makes it 3-2. Love that fact that no one can defend well anymore.
      — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 17, 2020

      Wow…All started with an awful Zouma error, followed by an awful Kepa one.
      — Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) October 17, 2020

      Kepa’s postioning for the goal is shocking again… he’s practically on his goal line before he starts running out way too late
      — ً (@cfcjoseph_) October 17, 2020

      Zouma and Kepa. I don’t even know what to say…. absolutely shocking from the pair of them. I’m speechless.
      — Daniel 👌🏻🇩🇰 (@ScandicAtheist) October 17, 2020

      That is awful by Zouma and what absolutely cowardly behaviour by Kepa.
      — David (@TekkaBooSon) October 17, 2020

      Kepa is absolutely awful. Good grief lol
      — Ststststststama (@ststama) October 17, 2020

      Kepa had started the game confidently, pulling off a good early save.

      But replays showed he was favourite to beat Adams to the ball, but failed to clear or attempt a tackle.

      Kepa’s blushes appeared to have been spared when just two minutes later, German Timo Werner, who netted Chelsea’s opening two, set up countryman Kai Havertz to make it 3-2.
      But a late Southampton free-kick fell to Theo Walcott, whose shot was nodded home by Jannik Vestergaard.
      Kepa could not get across in time and the flick saw the game end 3-3.

      Frank Lampard confirms Chelsea stopper Edouard Mendy out of Southampton clash More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid Cameron McGeehan bought for £80k aged ten plays in Belgium and is dating MIC star Tiffany Watson

      by

      CAMERON McGEEHAN thought his Chelsea glory days were over after being released by the Blues aged 16 – until he scored off the field in West London.
      Signed from neighbours Fulham for an eye-watering £80,000 aged just TEN, the midfielder, 25, rubbed shoulders with Prem stars Nathan Ake, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen while benefitting first-hand from Roman Abramovich’s millions. 

      14

      Cameron McGeehan and girlfriend Tiffany WatsonCredit: Instagram / @tiffanyc_watson

      14

      McGeehan, 25, plays in Belgium for KV OostendeCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

      14

      McGeehan as a kid with Chelsea alongside club legend John TerryCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

      14

      Tiffany Watson stars on reality show Made in ChelseaCredit: Instagram / @tiffanyc_watson

      Now, the former Championship player – who joined Belgian side KV Oostende from Barnsley in the summer – has bagged himself a worldie by hooking up with Made in Chelsea star Tiffany Watson, 26, during lockdown. 
      Kingston-born McGeehan told SunSport: “I’ve watched the show a couple of times and it’s quite funny seeing your girlfriend on TV – it’s an interesting career that she’s got. 
      “Girls come up to her in the street and tell her how amazing she is, which is nice to see. I’m very lucky to have met her and it’s going strong.”

      But the ex-Northern Ireland Under-21 international – who also qualifies for Scotland and the Republic of Ireland – dashed hopes he would appear alongside his new missus on the reality show. 

      He added: “I wouldn’t go on – it’s not something that is going to crossover into football.”
      McGeehan admits he threw “a spanner in the works” of his blossoming relationship by moving abroad after a loan spell at League One Portsmouth came to an end last season.
      However, after signing a three-year deal at Oostende, McGeehan has the perfect romantic weekend on his doorstep – courtesy of living In Bruges. 
      But the ace will NOT be sampling any Belgian waffles or chocolate as he maintains his vegan diet of three years – something he has in common with meat-free Tiff.

      14

      McGeehan spent time in the Chelsea academy before being released at 16Credit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

      14

      McGeehan quit Barnsely for Belgium this summerCredit: Rex Features

      14

      McGeehan and Tiff found love during lockdownCredit: Instagram / @tiffanyc_watson

      14

      McGeehan’s partner Tiff helps him keep up his vegan dietCredit: Instagram / @tiffanyc_watson

      14

      McGeehan takes on Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah while on loan at Portsmouth last seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

      14

      McGeehan was brought into the Blues set-up for £80,000 aged just TENCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan
      McGeehan said: “I’m having to avoid it. The idea of eating meat now makes me feel a little bit sick. I feel a lot lighter and have a lot more energy for football. 
      “I’m the only one in the team who is vegan. But because all the other food is mass produced a few of the lads try and nick my meals at the club as they put a bit more care and attention into them.
      “Tiff’s a proper vegan advocate and she’s helped me if I’m ever slipping – there’s plenty of vegan cafes in Bruges.” 
      As a youngster McGeehan modelled his game on the midfield runs of hero and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard. 
      And he aims to return to England to compete at the highest level possible after proving himself against the top sides in the “most scouted league”, including Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht and Champions League qualifiers Club Brugge.
      He is now enjoying something that no Premier League player currently can – running out in front of fans in stadiums.

      14

      McGeehan is hoping to catch the eye with his displays in BelgiumCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

      He said: “We did the first three or four games with no crowd and then started doing 35 per cent capacity. We played at a 20,000-seat stadium and there was about 6/7,000 there and it made a massive difference.
      “I can’t understand why that can’t be done back in England and other countries as well. It’s all done safely, fans are segregated and they have to wear masks.”
      McGeehan has scored two goals in his last two games and is keen to taste more success after a stunning 2013 FA Youth Cup victory with Norwich City. 
      He captained the Canaries to a two-legged triumph over his old side Chelsea in the final – converting a penalty in both games.
      He said: “I was there when I was a kid and went back and won – it was a bit of an ‘up yours’.
      “Everyone’s journey is different – I don’t think I’ve reached the peak of my club football career yet.
      “I believe I can kick onto the next level, you never know where you could be playing in a few years.”

      14

      McGeehan with former England captain David BeckhamCredit: Instagram / @cameronmcgheehan

      14

      McGeehan played for Northern Ireland at youth level Credit: Pacemaker Press

      14

      McGeehan slides in against ex-Chelsea team-mate Andreas ChristensenCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      Chelsea ace Ruben Loftus-Cheek joins Fulham on season-long loan transfer with Frank Lampard wanting him to get game time More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea eyed Gianluigi Donnarumma in summer and could still land AC Milan keeper in free transfer despite signing Mendy

      by

      CHELSEA plotted a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma before completing a deal for Edouard Mendy, according to reports.
      And they may go back in for the AC Milan captain in June when his contract expires but will face competition from a host of top clubs.

      2

      Gianluigi Donnarumma has enjoyed a strong start to the season amid talks over a new contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Donnarumma has been a mainstay at the San Siro since he was 16 but is yet to agree a new contract with the club.
      Chelsea were among the interested parties during the recent transfer window, as reported by CalcioMercato.
      Frank Lampard was unhappy with Kepa Arrizabalaga as his first-choice keeper and bagged Mendy from Rennes for £22million.

      Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid also took an interest in Donnarumma, along with Juventus.

      But the 21-year-old’s future will primarily be decided by the outcome of contract negotiations with Milan.
      The Serie A side are said to believe that he wants to stay with the club.
      A potential Chelsea bid would likely demand Kepa leave Stamford Bridge, with no willing buyer emerging over the autumn.
      After a number of years outside of the European elite, Milan are back in continental competition this year and have won all six of their opening games in 2020-21.

      That includes a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout victory over Rio Ave in Europa League play-offs and three consecutive clean sheets in Serie A.

      Discussing the Donnarumma talks last month, club legend and technical director Paolo Maldini suggested there was little reason to rush.
      The 52-year-old told Sky Sport Italia: “He has played 220 games with Milan at his age, that’s absolutely uncommon. The more he goes on, the more he becomes a leader.
      “He is a leader in training and with his behaviour. His growth has been truly exponential.
      “We must try, it could happen in a week, 10 days, 20 days, we are not in a hurry. We are in this situation now, we know, so 10 or 15 more days won’t change anything.”

      2 More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea keeper Mendy set to miss Southampton clash with thigh injury leaving Lampard with Kepa dilemma

      by

      CHELSEA are set to be without Edouard Mendy for next week’s clash against Southampton after the goalkeeper picked up a thigh injury.
      On Friday, it was confirmed that the 28-year-old had left the Senegal national team camp.

      3

      Edouard Mendy is set to miss Chelsea’s next game after picking up a training injuryCredit: Andy Hooper/NMC Pool

      3

      Frank Lampard may have to call upon Kepa Arrizabalaga – the keeper he replaced just weeks agoCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The news leaves Mendy as a huge doubt for the Blues’ game at home to Southampton on October 17.
      Following his £22million move from Rennes, the shot-stopper had started each of Chelsea’s last two games – the Carabao Cup loss at Tottenham and the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.
      But the training ground injury leaves him racing back to fitness with key games against Sevilla and Manchester United on the horizon.

      A Senegal statement read: “Mendy sustained an injury to the right thigh that occurred during the training session on Wednesday, October 07, 2020 and has undergone a medical examination at the hospital in Rabat.

      “Edouard Mendy has also left the group this afternoon to return to his club where he will undergo further examinations.
      “The Senegalese Football Federation wishes him a speedy recovery.”
      Chelsea kick off their Champions League campaign at home to Sevilla on October 20, before the trip to Old Trafford.
      It is hoped Mendy will be fit by then – with the man he replaced ready to step back in between the posts.

      3

      Kepa Arrizabalaga admitted his surprise when Frank Lampard replaced the Spaniard.
      Despite being the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, the 26-year-old has so far struggled to meet expectations at Stamford Bridge.
      But he will not be short of match practice if called upon for the Southampton game, having kept a clean sheet against Portugal while on Spain duty in the week.

      Chelsea have suffered a blow as Edouard Mendy gets injured on international duty More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Ben Chilwell ruled out of England clash vs Belgium due to non-Covid related illness in blow to Chelsea

      by

      BEN CHILWELL will miss England’s game against Belgium through illness.
      The Chelsea left-back has only just joined England’s ‘bubble’ after he broke coronavirus guidelines by attending Tammy Abraham’s surprise birthday party at the weekend.

      2

      Ben Chilwell is out of England’s game against BelgiumCredit: Reuters

      But he is now out of the Three Lions’ next game, with a non-Covid related illness, according to Sky Sports.
      After Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden were dropped from this month’s squad for their coronavirus gaffe in Iceland, Southgate chose to delay the arrival of Jadon Sancho, Chilwell and Abraham by a few days.
      They were all pictured at Abraham’s surprise bash – which the trio insist they were not warned of the numbers attending
      They were all ruled out of the 3-0 friendly win against Wales on Thursday night.

      The national team are operating within a coronavirus-safe bubble during a triple header of Wembley matches.
      Chilwell, Sancho and Abraham were prevented from entering the bubble after The Sun revealed their 20-person get together, to celebrate the striker turning 23.
      The stars have all since apologised for their actions.
      And the incident has left Southgate expecting more of his young players.

      2

      Chilwell broke coronavirus guideliness by attending team-mate Abraham’s surprise birthdayCredit: Reuters

      Ben Chilwell will miss England’s UEFA Nations League fixture with Belgium on Sunday after his arrival to the squad was delayed further with a non-Covid related illness.
      — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 9, 2020

      Southgate said earlier in the week: “At the beginning of the week we had a good meeting and spoke about the responsibility of being an England player and how the spotlight is different.
      “I have also talked about the connection of the fans and we have ten with us who were in Russia, they have done good work with their clubs, communities but some of the young ones have not done that and they need to prove themselves.
      “They need to remember it is an honour to play for England, we have all made errors, I had nights out as player but we are living in unique times with Covid.”
      England’s Nations League group continues this weekend with games at home to Belgium and Denmark.

      England footballers Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho filmed at surprise birthday party for Tammy Abraham More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea had best transfer window in years but failure to offload players may leave Lampard with huge fractured squad

      by

      THIS summer’s transfer window was one of the most extraordinary of recent times.
      For starters it was longer than it would normally be and ended up carrying over into the start of October due to the global coronavirus pandemic..

      5

      Chelsea fans are excited at how far Kai Havertz can go at the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Not only did this play havoc, with the season being delayed, it has also proved devastating to many football clubs struggling with finances as a result.
      This made it a different kind of window, with only the top teams being able to spend big.
      Whilst it was great for the likes of Chelsea in terms of player arrivals, it really did put a spanner in the works of plans to oust a number of deadwood players.

      Upon reflection though, I have to say this has been the best transfer window for Chelsea for many years regardless.

      The two major areas of improvement needed have been addressed – the defence, and the ability to create more chances and have more finesse up top.
      At the back they have added the giant that is Edouard Mendy, who fits the profile of the dominant goalkeeper that Frank Lampard wanted.
      Then in front of him, the world class and experienced Thiago Silva has come in to help solve their leaky defence.
      At the opposite end, Kai Havertz is the real star boy who’s arrived. He is perhaps the first player they have signed who will really fill the creative void that Eden Hazard left last summer.

      5

      Frank Lampard was delighted to bring in left-back Ben ChilwellCredit: EPA

      5

      Antonio Rudiger was heavily linked with a move away – but decided to stick around and fight for his placeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Then we have Timo Werner who will be providing more finesse up top, and Hakim Ziyech to bring even more creativity out wide or centrally.
      Another area of weakness was the left back position, and Ben Chilwell coming in as Lampard’s main long-term target for that role really was the cherry on top.
      If we wanted to be really fussy we could complain about a lack of a real defensive midfielder arriving, which is also what Lampard wanted.
      Declan Rice was his long-term target there, but they will likely now go back in for him in January or in the summer.
      This would have made an already brilliant transfer window even better in terms of arrivals, but it’s certainly not a major issue.

      5

      It will be a shock to see Marcos Alonso in the blue of Chelsea againCredit: Alamy Live News
      Lampard would have much preferred to have sold a number of his fringe players, but due to the current climate it is just impossible to find permanent buyers, and even loan moves failed due to high wages and loan fees.
      It was just not a selling window if you wanted to get maximum fees for your players, and this could end up causing problems for Lampard in terms of overall squad morale.
      You can’t really blame anyone here; the club want to get the best deals possible, and this means waiting until the next window or next summer.
      But you can’t deny the fact that it leaves for a large squad in some areas, and some players could become unhappy not playing at all, which many will have to face up to.

      5

      The signing of Edouard Mendy looks to have cast Kepa aside for goodCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea have Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri still at the club, that is three left backs who will want to be playing regularly, yet two of them won’t be.
      Failing to move Antonio Rudiger on leaves them with five centre backs, which again, is one too many.
      This is before even mentioning players such as Danny Drinkwater and Victor Moses, who are still Chelsea players at the time of writing.
      To conclude, Chelsea have built themselves a much stronger squad than last season.
      It is a squad that really should be challenging the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool to the Premier League title and at the very least will be bringing a domestic trophy in.
      You can follow Simon Phillips on Twitter here.

      Frank Lampard admits he has been playing Chelsea new boys Havertz and Werner out of position due to injuries in squad More