Top 5 players Chelsea should not have let go of this season

The summer of 2017 saw Chelsea sell 17 players and send 32 others out on loan and while some good signings were made, it's hard not to argue that they could have found some very talented players in that lot of those sent on loan and transferred.

One of the reasons the blues were so emphatic last season was the absence of involvement in Europe which allowed them to use a set of 13-14 players every week.

However, things are different this season and questions about the depth of their squad were inevitable after the opening day upset against Burnley.

The blues have bounced back after the defeat against Burnley, taking 10 points from five games and also opening their champions league account with a 6-0 win.

It's quite early to predict how the season will unfold for Conte's men nevertheless retention of a couple of players would surely have benefited them.

Here are the top 5 players Chelsea shouldn't have let go of either permanently or on loan:

#5 Dominic Solanke

Solanke was sold to Liverpool earlier in the summer

The 19-year-old English striker joined Chelsea in 2004, and was a part of the youth team that won back-to-back FA cups and the 2015 UEFA Youth Cup.

He scored four goals at the 2017 U-20 World Cup, which helped England secure its first major trophy since 1966. Solanke was awarded the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament

He could have been a good option for the Blues up front, had he not been sold to Liverpool.

#4 Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was loaned to Crystal Palace ahead of the start of the season

Ruben is another victim of Chelsea's policy of neglecting young players.

The English midfielder joined Chelsea at the age of 8, and went on to win FA Youth Cup, as well as the U-21 premier league in 2014.

The abysmal performances from the Blues in the 2015-16 season helped him get a regular spot in the senior team and he did not fail to impress.

Under Antonio Conte, Loftus-Cheek was mainly used as a striker and played alongside Costa in the pre-season.

However, in spite of his good performances, he could not be guaranteed regular first-team football and made only 11 appearances.

With Chelsea set to play in Europe in the 2017-18 season, it seemed like the time had arrived for the 21-year-old to finally make an impact, but, unfortunately, he was sent on loan to Crystal Palace.

With the ability to play in midfield, as well as a striker, Loftus-Cheek will be an important addition to Palace's squad.

Chelsea currently have only Hazard, Pedro, and Willian to play alongside their main striker, and the youngster could have played an important role this season.

#3 Nathan Ake

Nathan Ake moved to Bournemouth on a permanent basis this summer

After being recalled from loan last season, Ake found it hard to break into the first team and spent most of the time on the bench.

However, he put up good performances in the little time he spent on the field. He started a couple of cup games and helped his side secure a spot in the semifinals, against Tottenham, where he put up a solid display in the absence of Gary Cahill, and was arguably the best player on the pitch.

His first league appearance was against Everton, where he looked quite comfortable on the ball.

All his performances backed by his ability to play in defence as well as in the middle of the park, made him look like the perfect replacement for the outgoing club legend John Terry.

He surely deserved more chances in the blue shirt and with the Premier League experience he carried, he was, perhaps, a better option than Antonio Rudiger.

#2 Nathaniel Chalobah

Nathaniel Chalobah signed a 5-year contract with Watford in July

Another product of the Chelsea academy, Chalobah, spent 4 seasons on loan before returning to the bridge last summer.

The English midfielder proved to be an excellent backup for Kante and Matic and was mainly used as a defensive weapon in the dying minutes of games to hold the scoreline.

He managed a total of 15 appearances last season and put up a good show every time, his highlight being the back heel pass to Moses against the foxes.

Chalobah's versatility, work rate and ability to read the game backed by his young age showed what an amazing asset he would be in the coming years.

This year has already seen him receive a call by the national team proving his continued improvement.

By retaining him the blues could also have saved the money they spent on Bakayoko or Drinkwater making his sale a very bad business.

The fans surely would have loved to see the Englishman turn into a great academy product in the coming years following the footsteps of John Terry.

#1 Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matic has been in stellar form for his new employers - Manchester United

Matic was sold to direct rivals Manchester United for the same amount that the Blues spent on Danny Drinkwater, making it the stupidest sale Chelsea have made this season.

In front of the Chelsea defence, Matic was a wall and helped the Blues secure 2 Premier League titles in 3 years.

He may not have the stats to prove his abilities, but those who have seen him play know what he bought to the team.

With the ability to hold the ball and protect those behind him, Matic helped others play better football and will continue to do so in the coming years at Old Trafford.

His replacement - Tiemoue Bakayoko will face a tough task filling in the void created by the departure of the Serbian midfielder.

Chelsea will hope that Matic brings only his skills to Manchester United and not the title.