5 Chelsea players who could surprise you this season (2021-22)

#3 Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa was the shootout hero for Chelsea in the Super Cup win

How times change. Around this time last year it looked like Kepa would depart from Chelsea and the Premier League following his poor performances.

Following his antics in the 2019 League Cup final against Manchester City, Kepa made a habit of making errors in important matches. This saw Frank Lampard bench him towards the end of the season and Willy Caballero was preferred over the Spaniard. Edouard Mendy was brought in to replace him last summer.

Many assumed that he would leave the club, but the goalkeeper's stock had fallen so much that it proved difficult for Chelsea to sell him.

Therefore, the Spaniard stayed at the club and played second-fiddle to Mendy. He did not play much in the Premier League and was only used in cup matches. But since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, the goalkeeper has seen an upturn in form and has looked solid whenever called upon.

Kepa has played nine times since Tuchel's arrival, with four appearances in the Premier League and has kept five clean sheets. He was also the hero of Chelsea's penalty shootout win in the UEFA Super Cup as he made two crucial saves from the spot.

Although Mendy remains first choice, the prospect of Kepa starting in goal for Chelsea does not create the panic it once did. Kepa will definitely play an important part for Chelsea, considering the fact that Mendy will be representing Senegal in January's Africa Cup of Nations.

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#2 Callum Hudson-Odoi

Hudson-Odoi can play a big part in Chelsea's Premier League campaign

Callum Hudson-Odoi was handed a surprise start in the Super Cup final. Perhaps this is an indication that the youngster is ready to carve out a regular spot in the Premier League for Chelsea.

Hudson-Odoi enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2018-19, which saw him make his England debut and attract interest from Bayern Munich. But injuries and some inconsistent displays have stalled his Chelsea career over the past two years.

Thomas Tuchel's arrival saw Hudson-Odoi play at wing-back during his first few Premier League matches, while he also featured in the away win over Atletico Madrid. But the 20-year-old will surely look to play in a more attacking role this season.

After his stand-out performances in pre-season fixtures against Bournemouth and Arsenal, it looks like Hudson-Odoi is prepared to fight for his spot at Chelsea this season.

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#1 Trevoh Chalobah

Chalobah scored on his Premier League debut

Arguably the most surprising player in Chelsea's starting line-up in recent weeks, Trevoh Chalobah has shown why he belongs in the first team.

The 22-year-old, who has been at Chelsea since he was eight, made a surprise debut in the UEFA Super Cup win over Villarreal. He put in an impressive outing at Windsor Park.

The youngster went even one better this weekend on his Premier League debut. The centre-back hammered in a screamer from 25 yards, scoring Chelsea's third goal in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. Chalobah immediately dropped to his knees and was overcome with emotion. It was a big moment for the Chelsea youngster.

Chalobah spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Lorient and did not make a single Chelsea appearance before the Super Cup final.

However, following his excellent display Chalobah has forced his way into Thomas Tuchel's thinking.

The defender has been linked with a loan move but his composed display in the Premier League and Super Cup could help him force his way into the first-team squad this season.