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Antonio Conte began his managerial reign in the Premier League in a sensational manner by winning the 2016-17 Premier League title. However, in comparison to his debut season, this season has been much more challenging with the defending champions failing to produce the same level of performances when required.
Currently, the Blues sit in third place in the Premier League table, with an 18-point gap between themselves and leaders Manchester City. It's definitely an uphill task at the moment for Conte's side, who need to remain consistent as they aim for the best possible finish to the campaign.
After Tottenham's victory over Manchester United, even Champions League qualification is far from being secured. Chelsea looked terrible in their 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth and they need to find some winning momentum, which could potentially help Conte's side secure a top-four spot during the final months of the campaign.
On that note, here is a look at five players who could make the difference, and will thus be crucial to Chelsea and their chances in the coming months.
#5 Alvaro Morata
The 25-year-old had a positive start to his Premier League campaign in his very first game against Burnley by scoring a goal and assisting the other. Though Morata has so far scored 10 goals in 20 Premier League games this season, he has slowed down a bit after making a comeback from injury in October.
Antonio Conte has expressed his confidence in him by saying that that the Spaniard will be among goals in the coming months and will be a crucial player for the Blues. Chelsea desperately needed someone like Morata to raise the bar in terms of showing the intensity that has gone missing after Diego Costa’s exit.
Morata also provides much more depth in this Chelsea outfit as he's a striker that holds the line. He has linked up well with the midfielders and also has the ability to run through the staunchest of defences with his impressive pace.
With Giroud seen as more of a backup option, Morata will surely be a key figure for Chelsea in the coming months. Antonio Conte can only hope that the Spaniard finds his form and, more importantly, his shooting boots once again.
#4 Eden hazard
The 27-year-old has been the 'heart of Chelsea's midfield' in the last 2 seasons. Eden Hazard has contributed both, in terms of scoring goals and creating chances. Hazard has registered 6 goals in 19 games this Premier League season and will surely be crucial for the blues because of his goal-scoring prowess.
The Belgian has combined well with Victor Moses and Willian in midfield. He can also play as an attacking midfielder.
Hazard has not been able to replicate the performances of the last season when he totally dominated the opposition's defence with his unorthodox movement. The Belgian international has been a threat during counter attacks with some clever movement inside the box.
Antonio Conte will surely be banking on Eden Hazard’s form for the rest of the season. His ability to keep the possession combined with his wonderful passes can be quite a handful to deal with for oppositions. Hazard has always been an influential player for the blues, who possesses the ability to deliver during crunch situations
#3 Cesc Fabregas
The 30-year-old adds the much-needed sting in the midfield along with Eden Hazard. He has been a busy player manning the midfield with aplomb. Known for starting off excellent counter-attacks against the run of play, Fabregas has also been exceptional with his ball controlling abilities inside the box.
His finishing has not looked convincing like it did in the last season, as the former Arsenal player has to surely improve in that area if Chelsea want to regain their supremacy.
Antonio Conte has always laid emphasis on including attacking midfielder’s in the side which is why Fabregas is a crucial link in this Chelsea outfit like Eden Hazard. It will be interesting to see how Antonio Conte manages to bring the best out of Fabregas.
#2 N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante had produced some commanding performances in the 2016-17 season for the blues, as the French International was an influential figure in Chelsea's midfield and helped propel them to the top.
The-27-year-old was at his best in the 2015-16 season for Leicester City and that had earned him a lot of plaudits.
The 2017-18 season hasn't been that great for him but slowly, the dashing midfielder is finding his rhythm. Antonio Conte has claimed that it is only a matter of time before Kante regains his form.
He has got all the attributes of a great defensive midfielder that can shut out any attack in addition to his tackling and clever passing. N' Golo Kante can also produce some jinking solo runs with his terrifying pace that can break the best of defences.
#1 Cesar Azpilicueta
Known to be strong tactically, Azpilicueta has been at the core of Chelsea's defence. The 29-year-old was a rock at the back last season along with skipper Gary Cahill. He has been spot on with his interceptions.
The Spaniard provides solidity with his aggressive tackles. Azpilicueta is a seasoned campaigner for the blues and is a vital cog in defence, and even more so now as Gary Cahill who was quite exceptional last season isn't performing well.
It has to be seen as to how Azpilicueta shapes up in the remaining matches of the Premier League.
