Chelsea completed the worst title defence in Premier League history last season as they finished a miserable 10th in the table. Though the attack did not have the bite of the previous season, a major part of Chelsea’s misfortunes lay in their shambolic defensive displays. The Blues conceded a massive 53 goals last season compared to 32 the year before.
John Terry, who had played every single minute of the league in 2014-15 was expected to lead the side again to league glory. But it was not to be, as his age finally caught up with him. Terry was never praised for his speed, but his reading of the game won him plaudits over the years.
Last season, Terry was often left stranded unable to catch up with the fast attackers, or sometimes he would switch off which was something very unlike him. Added to Terry’s performances were Kurt Zouma’s injury and Gary Cahill’s dip in form .
No proper reinforcement in the defensive area last summer meant that Branislav Ivanovic had to often deputise at centre-back which didn’t help Chelsea’s cause. The fans were often left wondering what had become of their defence which was so famed. A number of players have been linked with the Blues this season to become John Terry’s successor. However, no player comes cheap these days with clubs asking for astronomical prices for every position.
We take a look at five players who could be an option at centre-back for the Blues.
#1 Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the world in his time at Juventus. The Italian, who came to the limelight when Antonio Conte was the manager of Juventus, has been one of the key figures in the Italian side’s five consecutive Serie A titles.
Described as a ball-playing centre-back with great technique and passing range, the defender could prove to play a vital role for the Blues in the transition from defence to attack.
Bonucci impressed in Euro 2016 in the three-man defence of, and if Conte adopts the 3-5-2 in Chelsea as well, the 29-year-old would fit seamlessly at the centre with Zouma and Cahill on either side.
However, Bonucci would not come cheap, with Juventus apparently insistent on not letting the world-class stopper go at any cost. A swap deal for Nemanja Matic, whom Juventus is said to have an interest in, and a few extra million could see the Italian moving to London in the summer.
#2 Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly was signed by Napoli in 2014 for £5.25 million. However, under Rafa Benitez, he never really looked like a smart buy as he often gave up possession and was caught napping, ending a forgettable season with Napoli as they finished 5th in Serie A. 2015-16 would however be his season, with the Senegalese establishing himself as one of the best centre-backs in the league and helping Napoli finish runners-up last season.
Koulibaly stands a massive 6ft 5in and is known for his physical prowess who can intimidate and physically dominate strikers. The Senegal international is also versatile who can play in any position across the back line and also as a defensive midfielder if need be. He is also excellent at recovering balls and is not afraid to put in the perfectly timed tackles as he often did last season.
The Senegal international would come at a massive £50 million pounds and though Chelsea’s interest in him has decreased in recent times, one never knows when Roman Abramovich would take out the moolah from his pocket and go on and sign the defender.
#3 Victor Lindelof
22-year-old Victor Lindelof is a target for Blues boss Antonio Conte, who could settle for the Swede if he fails to get the likes of Leonardo Bonucci or Kalidou Koulibaly. Lindelof broke into the Benfica side in the latter half of last season where he played 15 consecutive matches, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding just nine goals in the process.
If he is signed, Lindelof could emerge as a key player for Antonio Conte due to his versatility. The Swede can play both as a centre-back and a defensive midfielder, and for a manager who likes fluid formations, Lindelof could well be Conte’s man. Lindelof has the right balance of grit, stamina and acceleration, and is highly rated by coaches both at the club and international levels.
He played for Sweden at Euro 2016 where he started all three group-stage matches, showing his progress as a defender. Cementing a place in the Blues starting line-up will be tough, however, it won't be long if he shows the progress he has shown until now. The Swede has a £25 million release clause in his contract and the Blues look like they are willing to activate it in their pursuit of a top defender.
#4 Kostas Manolas
Another centre-back who has improved astronomically is Roma defender Kostas Manolas. The 25-year old has become a mainstay of the Roma defence ever since they bought him from Olympiacos in 2014 to replace Mehdi Benatia.
Manolas possesses all capabilities of a perfect defender who is bestowed with great speed and interception skills. He is also composed with the ball and can anticipate passes and moves superbly.
Manchester United are also said to have an interest in the Greek defender but he would be perfectly suited to Antonio Conte’s style of play owing to the versatility the Italian prefers in his players.
With John Terry not getting any younger and Cahill suffering a dip in form, Manolas could be the Terry’s long-time replacement at Stamford Bridge. However, the Blues might have to shell out a fortune for Manolas in a bid to strengthen their defence.
#5 Marquinhos
Brazilian defender Marquinhos is destined for greatness wherever his future lies. The 22-year-old is one of the most exciting and talented centre-backs around and has won three consecutive Ligue 1 titles in his times at Paris Saint-Germain.
The Brazilian has failed to establish himself as a centre-back in Laurent Blanc’s PSG with him often being preferred as a right back instead. Marquinhos is reportedly in talks with PSG authorities over his future at the club.
"There is always speculation and I have a contract with PSG until 2019, but my situation is in discussion,“ the Brazilian had said on international duty while at the Copa America.
“For me, the important thing is to have the confidence of the club and the manager," he added.
"Then, we have to assess the project,” he added.
Marquinhos would surely bring the needed stability in a defence for the Blues which looked shaky throughout last season. Though PSG are unwilling to entertain any offers for the Brazilian, it will be up to Antonio Conte to lure him to London with the promise of first-team football.
