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January transfer window in recent times has featured plenty of transfers which have failed to pan out the way they were expected to. Altering squad chemistry, failure to adjust to the manager's system quickly and a sudden mid-season change of scenery can affect the incoming player's performances. Sometimes, however, January is also an opportunity to find the final piece of the puzzle which can drastically alter the club's fortune in the second half of the season.
Chelsea has seen their share of signings which have failed to yield the desired results ( Fernando Torres' transfer from Liverpool in 2011) but they have also got it right at times with Nemanja Matic joining Chelsea in the winter of the 2013-14 season from Benfica. The lanky Serbian went on to become a vital part of the two premier league titles that he won with the Blues.
Chelsea are now undergoing what some have called -"a revolution" under the new manager Maurizio Sarri. The Italian is tasked with replicating the eye-catching football that his former team Napoli became famous for. Even though the Italian has made a splendid start to his Chelsea career, he still needs time to properly instill his philosophy in the squad. The squad personnel could also oversee some arrivals and departures.
Sarri once famously called the transfer window as "refuge of the weak" and asserted that he prefers to coach his players and develop them instead. Even then, there are still some worrying areas within the squad which need urgent reinforcements. The said reinforcements could be either from the transfer market, club academy or Chelsea's loan army.
The article features three key positions which Chelsea should try to strengthen in the coming January transfer window:
#3 Fullbacks (RB and LB)
Right back
Currently, Cesar Azpilicueta patrols the right-hand side of Chelsea's backline featuring himself, Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz, and Marcos Alonso. His opposite fullback and fellow Spaniard Alonso's performances have also been a source of intense scrutiny ever since Chelsea lost to Tottenham at the Wembley Stadium.
Azpilicueta initially struggled but has consistently improved as the season has progressed. Playing either as a left back or a center back for the last four years, he is now adapting to his new position as a right back which incidentally was his natural position when he arrived at Chelsea in 2012. The Spaniard has at times failed to provide the much-needed width offensively down the right-hand side during the attacking phases. Moreover, he also looked defensively shaky in the early part of the season, something which is not associated with the versatile defender.
More worrying is the fact that his deputy Davide Zappacosta has not been able to assert himself under his second manager at Chelsea. There is little evidence to suggest that his situation will change and the Italian defender may look for a move either in January or in summer. Possible options at right back include loanees Reece James (Wigan Athletic) and Ola Aina (Torino). Elseid Hysaj has also been repeatedly linked to Chelsea ever since Sarri, who was his boss at Empoli and Napoli has moved to England.
Left back
Strangely, Marcos Alonso is more known for his aerial prowess, goalscoring ability, and set-piece expertise rather than his defensive nous. Manning the left flank under Antonio Conte, the 27-year-old enjoyed a splendid start to the season under his new manager.
However, over the course of the season, his performances have not been up to the mark. The opposition have looked to double/triple mark Eden Hazard and he needs some offensive support down the left-hand side. Alonso is neither the quickest nor his deliveries from the left flank been at the required standard.
Emerson, a January acquisition last season has impressed in his limited opportunities. The Brazilian has everything that a left back needs to have in a Sarri system. Eden Hazard and other attackers would certainly love to work with a left back who can dribble, cross effectively and has a very good recovery pace. This suddenly opens up plenty of attacking options for the Blues.
Incidentally, both the fullbacks have signed long-term deals at Chelsea in recent weeks. Nevertheless, good competition in the two fullback positions is critical.
#2 Winger
As things stand, Eden Hazard, Willian, Pedro, and Callum Hudson-Odoi are the players that have started at wings for Chelsea this season. Lucas Piazon does not count as he has not even remotely featured in his manager's plans this season. Victor Moses too has struggled for playing time.
Eden Hazard remains one of the best wingers in the world. What he needs more than ever is being surrounded by quality personnel, a top class winger down the right-hand side is one of them. Willian and Pedro are both on the wrong side of 30 and it is safe to say that they do not figure in the long-term plans for the blues. Callum Hudson-Odoi has a bright future ahead of him but the teenager might not figure in his manager's plans as a regular starter yet.
The need of the hour is a top quality winger in his prime or nearing his prime who can perfectly complement Eden Hazard. With the Belgian constantly being surrounded by opposition defenders, the team badly needs an outlet. Willian and Pedro have not consistently delivered and the Blues need another reliable option to attack the opposition flanks.
Robert Kenedy-on loan at Newcastle United is full of promise but his long-term future may rest elsewhere. Leon Bailey and Christian Pulisic are the prominent names that have been linked with Chelsea over the past few months.
#1 Striker
Perhaps the most glaring hole in the squad right now. Much was expected of Sarri that he could turn Alvaro Morata into a goal machine as he did with Gonzalo Higuain and Dries Mertens at Napoli. The Spaniard looks sublime on his day and remains a very talented striker but the 26-year-old has found consistency hard to come by.
Olivier Giroud, on the other hand, is a limited player and though a valuable member of the squad, he is not seen as a first choice striker for Chelsea for the long term. The Frenchman, at 32 is not getting any younger and is more of a tactical option for the manager.
If Chelsea want to win trophies and compete among the best in Europe, they need a reliable goalscoring striker. The current squad options fail to inspire and January might see the Blues acquiring another Center forward with Alvaro Morata possibly leaving. Add to the fact Sarri did not start either of the two strikers against Manchester City says a lot about the current centre-forward situation.
Michy Batshuayi has struggled in his loan spell at Valencia and as things stand, his Chelsea career may not be certain. Tammy Abraham, on loan at Aston Villa, has impressed in Championship. The academy graduate is now on his third successive season-long and has gained valuable experience. The time may finally have come when he gets to be a part of Chelsea's first team although it may happen next season rather than in January.
Which players should Chelsea buy in order to address the deficiencies in the squad? Kindly comment below.
