5 Changes that Chelsea need to make in their squad

Following the appointment of Maurizio Sarri and the team’s association with Sarri-ball, all Chelsea fans were expecting to see Chelsea present itself as a challenge to other teams for the title this season. However, considering Chelsea’s performance so far, it is evident that the squad is still way off the pace in the race for the title.

Especially after its games against Everton and Tottenham, finishing in the Top 4 seems like the best that they can do. But this might also turn out to be tricky. Teams such as Arsenal and Everton are rising up the ranks under the tutelage of Unai Emery and Marco Silva, while Chelsea still seems to be struggling to get a hold of “Sarri-ball.”

It is clear that some necessary changes are required for Chelsea to end the season on a high note. Let's look at some of them.

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#1 Sell Willian

Willian

The right winger spot is in dire need of some fresh legs.

Willian does have a couple of advantages with both his slick footwork and dangerous long shots but is slowly becoming a liability. Based on his recent performances, it seems like that he may only have a couple of good games left in him.

Slow in passing the ball and depending only on long shots, his free-kick taking ability has deteriorated sharply as well. With no fruitful attacks from Willian’s side, the pressure falls onto the shoulders of Eden Hazard on the opposite side to make something happen.

Willian’s replacement would be beneficial for the team. His transfer funds can be used to sign a younger player who would not only be faster but also not afraid to put himself out there, employing Sarri-ball in the field.

Reports are suggesting that Chelsea are looking to sign Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund, which should come as a breath of fresh air opening more opportunities for Chelsea.

#2 Give Christensen more chances

Christensen in action against Wolves

With David Luiz ageing and becoming more and more error-prone, it is high time Chelsea gave Andreas Christensen some game time. Rudiger’s attack-minded defence and Christensen’s calmness will make them the perfect defensive pair for the high line Sarri asks his team to play.

Even last season, the Dane came out looking more accomplished. Not only is he good both with the ball at his feet and in the air, but he reads the game well and isn’t known for making any rash decision that might cost the team.

Christensen’s performance last season shows that he will be a worthy addition to the team, especially with his ability to build plays from the back.

Christensen is one of the many jewels of Chelsea's academy. If he can earn his place back in the starting eleven, it will send the right message to the young players eager to make it into the first team. Bringing him back into the starting line-up will be a vital step in solving Chelsea's defensive problems.

#3 Buy a new right-back

Cesar Azpilicueta has been error-prone this season

Let's face it, Azpilicueta has been underwhelming as a right-back this season and his time in that position should now be coming to an end. Sure, he is considered as Chelsea's Mr. Reliable, but it’s evident that he is struggling to catch up with the pacy wingers this season. Players such as Leroy Sane, Anthony Martial or Bernard, are not getting any slower but Azpilicueta is, and they have caught him off guard several times this season.

The right-back position requires someone who can strategize well while on the field. Someone who can not only run up the pitch and get involved in the attack but at the same time track back at the same pace and hold off the opposition wingers.

Although Azpilicueta makes up for his lack of pace with his tactical ability and his ability to play in some delicious crosses into the box for Giroud and Morata to head in, Chelsea does require a new right-back if they want to widen their attacking and defensive options.

#4 Loftus-Cheek requires more game time

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Jorginho and Kante are the two mainstays in Sarri's midfield leaving only one spot left to be filled. Barkley, Kovacic, and Loftus-Cheek all fight for that one spot on the left of the midfield trio that Sarri deploys and Loftus-Cheek strikes out as the best fit amongst the three.

Every time Loftus-Cheek plays, Chelsea is perceived to have a strong, dangerous attacking front. With his incisive passes and calm composure, he is clearly capable of turning unfavourable situations into favourable ones. Standing at a whopping 1.9m, Loftus-Cheek also gives that extra aerial threat in the box.

Although lacking in some technical and defensive discipline, he still possesses the ability to become one of the best in his position. With the right guidance those issues can undeniably be fixed, and who better to guide him than Sarri?

#5 Buy a new striker

Both Morata and Giroud have been far from convincing this season

This has to be done. Chelsea lacks a good striker who can score goals week-in-week-out and strikes fear in the minds of the opposition by his mere presence on the pitch.

Diego Costa and Didier Drogba have worked well in the past seasons, tormenting opposition defences and scoring goals in critical times. But with Giroud in the twilight of his career and Morata failing to impress in the numerous chances given to him, Chelsea does need a striker who can take some load off Eden Hazard to turn games around.

It doesn’t seem fair for Chelsea to depend on Eden Hazard to score goals every week, despite his fantastic performances.

Chelsea requires a talismanic figure up front who can hold his back towards the goal, link up with other players and have a killer instinct for goals at the same time, something strikers such as Diego Costa have done very well in the past.