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Premier League Champions Chelsea have had a strange transfer market so far. While they have missed out on a couple of high profile targets like Romelu Lukaku and Alex Sandro, they have made some impressive signings like Antonio Rudiger, Bakayoko and Alvaro Morata.
With the added pressure and burden of European football, their squad looks like it will be stretched to the limit and Antonio Conte will be hoping that his players step up and perform like how they did last season.
While stars like Kante, Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Hazard and Courtois are expected to maintain their high level and perform consistently, we take a look at 5 other Chelsea stars who could surprise you with their consistent and good performances this season:
#5 Andreas Christensen
Chelsea have shipped out a number of talented youngsters already this season. However, one youngster who has impressed Antonio Conte and everyone in the Chelsea board is Danish centre-back, Andreas Christensen. Calm and composed on the ball, Christensen has received a first team squad number (27) and is expected to play a key role in Chelsea's 2017-18 season.
Having spent the previous two seasons out on loan at Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, Christensen has gained valuable experience at the top level even having won the club's player of the season award for the 2015/16 season.
Also, Christensen has played in a back 3 for the German side and his positioning, tactical awareness and skill on the ball are perfectly suited for Antonio Conte's style of play at Chelsea. The Premier League champions have lost out on club stalwart and legend John Terry, but in Andreas Christensen, Chelsea have an ideal long-term replacement.
Christensen might well become a first team regular by the end of this season.
#4 Willian
One of the most talented players in the Chelsea squad, 28-year-old attacking midfielder Willian could just step up his performances to a whole new level this season. Often left out of the starting XI in favour of Pedro last season, Willian will be looking to establish himself as an undisputed starter this campaign.
The pacy Brazilian was Chelsea's player of the season in 2016/16, but last season, under Conte, Willian made only 15 starts in the Premier League. At his best, Willian can torment opposition defences with his pace and trickery and his set-piece taking skills are also one of the best in the Premier League.
The Brazilian has started off preseason looking extremely sharp and he will be determined to play a decisive role. With the World Cup coming up next year, Willian will be inspired to get back to his best and it will not come as a surprise if Willian has as decisive an impact as Hazard this season.
Opposition defences beware, Willian can win games single-handedly when he is in the mood.
#3 Michy Batshuayi
Other than being extremely entertaining on Twitter, Batshuayi is also an extremely capable forward having the ability to score a bucket load of goals whenever he plays. With Diego Costa out of the picture at Chelsea, Batshuayi will undoubtedly be getting more than enough opportunities to make an impact this season.
Alvaro Morata may have been the marquee signing of this transfer window for Chelsea, but in pre-season so far Batshuayi has outshone the Spaniard and his impressive displays could see Conte hand him a starting berth this season. Having good speed, strength and excellent finishing skills, Batshuayi has all the ingredients to be a long-term replacement for Didier Drogba.
While he might have scored only 9 goals last season, the Chelsea forward had very limited opportunities. The Belgian definitely knows how to find the back of the net and we might just see Batshuayi become one of the most threatening strikers in the Premier League this season.
Batshuayi guarantees goals. Watch out for him this season!
#2 Antonio Rudiger
Amidst the arrivals of Bakayoko and Morata, the importance of the signing of Antonio Rudiger has been slightly underplayed. Undoubtedly one of the most solid defenders in world football at the moment, Rudiger is set to play a key role in the 3 man defence for Chelsea this season.
Coming off an extremely successful Confederations Cup with Germany, Rudiger's tactical versatility, positioning skills and tactical ability will all be used extensively by Conte this season as he looks to avoid a 'Mourinho like' season at Chelsea. Having joined for a fee of £29 million, Rudiger will be wearing the 'number 2' jersey this season.
All the indications are that Rudiger, Luiz and Azpilicueta will be starting the majority of the matches as the back 3 and we might just see the German blossom into one the best defenders in the world under the tutelage of Antonio Conte this season.
#1 Cesc Fabregas
Arguably one of the best midfielders to ever play in the Premier League, Cesc Fabregas will be looking to pull the strings from Chelsea's midfield and enjoy another assist filled year with the Blues this season.
Having made only 13 starts last season in the Premier League, the Spanish playmaker was linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge. However, Conte seems to have convinced the 30-year-old midfielder to stay even saying that Fabregas could be key to Chelsea this season.
"He is a really good player who can play in this position in midfield, but he could also play number 10," Conte said.
"He is a great example to others with his commitment and his behaviour every day during training sessions. He must continue this way because he is working well for us. I think Cesc has improved a lot from when I arrived at Chelsea, from his start and up to now, he has improved a lot."
With the arrival of Alvaro Morata and a change in role for Fabregas mooted this season, we might just see the best of the former Arsenal and Barcelona man this season.
Don't be surprised if Fabregas makes it to the Premier League team of the season this year.
