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The 2017-18 English Premier League season wasn’t an eventful one for Chelsea, unlike the 2016-17 season when Antonio Conte’s side dominated the entire season. After winning the title, the Blues were expected to replicate their form in the 2017-18 season too, as the team looked a balanced one in every department.
Their forward line looked sharper after the induction of Alvaro Morata. In the 2017-18 Premier League season, Chelsea finished fifth in the points table with 70 points, and their performance were below par in the Champions League too, where they were knocked out in the round of 16. Antonio Conte was sacked at the end of the 2017-18 season because of the poor results.
Chelsea appointed Antonio Conte’s countryman and former Napoli FC manager Maurizio Sarri as the new Chelsea manager. Under his guidance, Napoli twice finished second in Serie A and finished third once. Napoli were known to play an attacking style of football under Sarri, which prompted Chelsea to bring the Italian to the club.
The onus will be on Sarri to execute the plans by analyzing every player’s strengths and weaknesses. He also went on to say that a top four finish in the Premier League would be his first aim. Although the Chelsea squad looks a balanced one, the Blues will have to produce some convincing performances if they are to finish in the top four.
Chelsea started their Premier League campaign on a positive note by winning their opening game of the season against Huddersfield 3-0. Sarri has stated that Chelsea have a core group of players who have the ability to deliver some positive results. We take a look at five players who are expected to play inspiring roles for the Blues.
#1 Alvaro Morata
The 25-year-old had a decent start to his Premier League campaign, and in his very first game against Burnley scored a goal and assisted another. Morata scored 11 goals in 31 Premier League games last season, with six assists to his name.
The Spaniard slowed down a bit last season because of an injury. Maurizio Sarri has expressed confidence that the Spaniard will be among goals in the upcoming season and will be a crucial player for the Blues. Chelsea desperately needed someone like Morata to raise the bar in terms of goal scoring after Diego Costa’s exit.
Morata also provides much more depth in this Chelsea outfit as he can play as a striker as well as a winger. He has linked up well with the midfield line, while he can run through the most staunch of defence with his pace. Morata can also play well on both flanks. Morata will surely be a key figure for Chelsea in the 2018-19 season. Sarri will be hoping the Spaniard produces some spirited performances.
# 2 Eden Hazard
The 27-year-old has been at the heart of Chelsea’s midfield in the last few seasons. Eden Hazard has always contributed both in terms of scoring goals and creating chances. Hazard registered 12 goals in 34 games last season and will surely be crucial for the Blues because of his goal scoring prowess. In the 2018-19 season, Hazard will be playing as a forward which enable him to play his natural game.
The striker combined well with the likes of Victor Moses and Willian in the midfield last season, and he can also play as an attacking midfielder. Although Hazard couldn’t replicate the performances of the 2016-17 season where he totally dominated the opposition’s defence with his unorthodox moves, the Belgian was still a key player last season.
The Belgian international has been a threat during counter attacks and for his clever moves inside the box. Maurizio Sarri will surely be banking on Eden Hazard’s form in 2018-19 season. His ability to keep the possession combined with his wonderful passes can be quite a handful. Hazard has always been an influential player for the Blues, who has the ability to deliver during crunch situations.
Hazard was quite influential for Belgium in the recently concluded World Cup, where his team reached the semi-finals. Hazard began his 2018-19 campaign against Huddersfield by providing an assist to Pedro Rodriguez.
# 3 N'Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante adds a lot of bite in the midfield along with Cesc Fabregas. He has been a busy player manning the midfield with aplomb. Kante has also been exceptional with his ball controlling abilities inside the box. He played a crucial role for Leicester in the 2015-16 season when the Foxes won the title.
The Frenchman was a vital cog for his team in the recently concluded World Cup. Kante can also be handy when it comes to his ability to win the ball from the opposition players, with some brilliant and intelligent tackles. The midfielder is technically strong and is the heart of the Chelsea midfield.
Kante is also capable of creating chances for the forwards with his clever moves and precise passes. The 27-year-old has time and again proved his ability to deliver during pressure situations and Maurizio Sarri will be hoping the Frenchman comes good with some determined performances. Kante started the season by scoring the Blues' first goal of the season.
# 4 Willian
Willian surely provides a penetrative edge in the forward line. The 30-year-old provides the acceleration in the forward line with his quick movements and electric pace. He has been operating mostly from the right flans and will be a go-to man for Maurizio Sarri because of the adaptability he provides in the forward line combined with his goal-scoring prowess.
Though he scored only six goals in 34 Premier League games last season, the Brazilian contributed well with eight assists. Willian will surely be a vital cog for Sarri’s side. The Italian has stated that the striker will be an influential figure for the Blues in the upcoming season. He could be a real force for Chelsea if he manages to show his class. His attacking forays can outfox even the best defences.
#5 Cesar Azpilicueta
Known to be strong tactically, Azpilicueta has been the core of Chelsea’s defence. The 29-year-old was the rock of Chelsea’s defence in the 2016-17 along with skipper Gary Cahill. He has been spot on with his interceptions.
The Spaniard provides solidity with his aggressive tackles. Azpilicueta has been a seasoned campaigner for the Blues and will be a key figure in Chelsea’s defence, along with the experienced Cahill and David Luiz in the 2018-19 season.
It has to be seen how Azpilicueta shapes up in the upcoming Premier League season. The defender is equally good in winning aerial duels and his clever passes.
