The 2017-18 English Premier League season wasn’t an eventful one for Chelsea, unlike the 2016-17 season when Antonio Conte’s side dominated the entire season. After winning the title, the Blues were expected to replicate their form in the 2017-18 season too, as the team looked a balanced one in every department.
Their forward line looked sharper after the induction of Alvaro Morata. In the 2017-18 Premier League season, Chelsea finished fifth in the points table with 70 points, and their performance were below par in the Champions League too, where they were knocked out in the round of 16. Antonio Conte was sacked at the end of the 2017-18 season because of the poor results.
Chelsea appointed Antonio Conte’s countryman and former Napoli FC manager Maurizio Sarri as the new Chelsea manager. Under his guidance, Napoli twice finished second in Serie A and finished third once. Napoli were known to play an attacking style of football under Sarri, which prompted Chelsea to bring the Italian to the club.
#1 Alvaro Morata
The 25-year-old had a decent start to his Premier League campaign, and in his very first game against Burnley scored a goal and assisted another. Morata scored 11 goals in 31 Premier League games last season, with six assists to his name.
The Spaniard slowed down a bit last season because of an injury. Maurizio Sarri has expressed confidence that the Spaniard will be among goals in the upcoming season and will be a crucial player for the Blues. Chelsea desperately needed someone like Morata to raise the bar in terms of goal scoring after Diego Costa’s exit.
# 2 Eden Hazard
The 27-year-old has been at the heart of Chelsea’s midfield in the last few seasons. Eden Hazard has always contributed both in terms of scoring goals and creating chances. Hazard registered 12 goals in 34 games last season and will surely be crucial for the Blues because of his goal scoring prowess. In the 2018-19 season, Hazard will be playing as a forward which enable him to play his natural game.
The striker combined well with the likes of Victor Moses and Willian in the midfield last season, and he can also play as an attacking midfielder. Although Hazard couldn’t replicate the performances of the 2016-17 season where he totally dominated the opposition’s defence with his unorthodox moves, the Belgian was still a key player last season.
# 3 N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante adds a lot of bite in the midfield along with Cesc Fabregas. He has been a busy player manning the midfield with aplomb. Kante has also been exceptional with his ball controlling abilities inside the box. He played a crucial role for Leicester in the 2015-16 season when the Foxes won the title.
The Frenchman was a vital cog for his team in the recently concluded World Cup. Kante can also be handy when it comes to his ability to win the ball from the opposition players, with some brilliant and intelligent tackles. The midfielder is technically strong and is the heart of the Chelsea midfield.
# 4 Willian
Willian surely provides a penetrative edge in the forward line. The 30-year-old provides the acceleration in the forward line with his quick movements and electric pace. He has been operating mostly from the right flans and will be a go-to man for Maurizio Sarri because of the adaptability he provides in the forward line combined with his goal-scoring prowess.
Though he scored only six goals in 34 Premier League games last season, the Brazilian contributed well with eight assists. Willian will surely be a vital cog for Sarri’s side. The Italian has stated that the striker will be an influential figure for the Blues in the upcoming season. He could be a real force for Chelsea if he manages to show his class. His attacking forays can outfox even the best defences.
#5 Cesar Azpilicueta
Known to be strong tactically, Azpilicueta has been the core of Chelsea’s defence. The 29-year-old was the rock of Chelsea’s defence in the 2016-17 along with skipper Gary Cahill. He has been spot on with his interceptions.
The Spaniard provides solidity with his aggressive tackles. Azpilicueta has been a seasoned campaigner for the Blues and will be a key figure in Chelsea’s defence, along with the experienced Cahill and David Luiz in the 2018-19 season.