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During the first half of the 20117/2018 season, Sarri’s Napoli is considered to have played arguably the best football amongst the teams in top five leagues in Europe. They were an efficient attacking machine that dismantled their opponents with the swagger only to be ultimately undone by experience. They were a joy to watch with their pressing play and possession-based football. We take a look at five players that will benefit from such style of play at the Stamford Bridge come next season.
FABREGAS
The Spanish man has become a shadow of his Arsenal self ever since making that move to boyhood club Barcelona. He has since failed to hit the heights and although he hasn’t stopped creating whenever he plays, his level has significantly dropped. His fortune is surely about to change if he is open to change. A midfield trio including him, Kante (If he stays), Jorginho will be revolutionary as much as liberating. That means he will have the opportunity to play alongside two tireless workers that will be more than willing to do the dirty work. Fabregas will be required to do little to no defensive job which will, in turn, allow him to concentrate on his attacking side of his game. It is only a matter of time before he lights up the EPL again as an ebullient midfielder. Chelsea’s attacking play will surely benefit from this and Chelsea are poised for a fruitful season.
DAVID LUIZ
Modern day football requires ball-playing defenders- the ones to start attacks from the back. They are fearless and efficient and David Luiz is a player of that stature. Sarri had one in Koulibaly when he was in Napoli. Koulibaly made things easier for Sarri with his ability to start his team’s play from the back which in turn imbued confidence in his fellow players, Sarri surely has one now in Luiz. Ousted from the team under Antonio Conte due to a series of individual differences, it became a nightmarish experience for the Brazilian much to the chagrin of the club fans across the globe. The 31-year old became a siding. David Luiz has the hallmark of a Sarri defender; he has brawn, he is versatile, he is virile and finally, he can play with his feet. He will more likely become Sarri’s first choice defender and whomever Sarri chooses to pair him at the heart of the defense will be very lucky because Sarri plays predominantly with four at the back. The rejuvenated defender is raring to go and if there is anything to go by in the preseason matches that have been played, David Luiz has already assumed the role as a dictator from the back.
MORATA
Chelsea fans must have thought they have gotten their man when the past season commenced and rightly so Morata was on a roll in the early parts hitting an astonishing 6 goals in six matches. By the end of the first half, he had hit 10 goals in total. The team faltered collectively and the 25-year old was culpable as the goals dried up in the second half of last season. He must have been exhilarated to finally see the season come to an end. He is a fantastic striker on his day but his lack of confidence is conspicuous and despite being presented with chances time and over again, he has largely failed in front of goal. You only need to look at the club’s pre-season friendly games to comprehend - for a non-Chelsea fan. The good thing about Sarri’s style is that he will always be presented with more chances. And when he finally regains his confidence, Chelsea will then have a weapon of mass destruction in their hand.
AZPILICUETA
As pointed out before, Sarri plays predominantly with for at the back, which means the right-back position is up for grabs. Why? Because Moses is a winger converted to a wing back, Zappacosta has not totally convinced. Cesar Azpilicueta is proven; he became a household name plying his trade as a right-back. He can be versatile evidenced with the role he played last season, Conte changed formation and Cesar was a hit. He played as the third centre-back in a 3-5-2 formation and he has not looked back since but fortunately or “unfortunately,” a change in managerial position will see him revert to a position he is quite familiar with in no time. He has been a mainstay and a reliable player of a sort since he joined Chelsea. As an accomplished defender, he leads the team with his ever-present commitment and leadership with example. Sarri will do well to make him his first choice right-back.
WILLIAN
The Brazilian international encapsulates what coaches call “work rate.” He is a player that doesn’t shy away from responsibilities, he is versatile, he has goals in him, he is full of running and he is also a deadly set-piece taker. He is an upgrade on Callejon in every way possible. The right-hand channel has not always been the club’s strong suit but with Sarri at the helms, Willian is about to be unleashed. His right-back partner will also enjoy the hardworking Willian because he need not worry about support because he is always protected by some next –level covering. He is also a player that puts the team first. He will enjoy the all-attacking style of Sarri and his direct running will feature in tandem with Hazards’. The future looks bright for a player many consider to have atrophied and the club under Mauricio Sarri.
