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The English Premier League is just around the corner and teams are busy finalizing their preparations. While most clubs have managed to fulfill their transfer targets, this summer has turned out to be a little different for Chelsea.
Since they are under a transfer ban, Chelsea are busily finding the right players from their loan army and the academy. With Frank Lampard at the helm at Stamford Bridge, the focus has been to try and bridge the gap between the academy and the first team and give them a fair chance to prove themselves.
Chelsea's pre-season has been a constructive one. With every game, the Blues' football has improved. Their primary objective has been to implement the press fully and force the opponents into making mistakes. With only one loss this pre-season, Chelsea seem to be ready for the upcoming season.
Last night, Chelsea managed to beat Salzburg 5-3 in what was a brilliant match full of energy and goals. Here, we take a look at three things to take note of from this match.
Barkley is having the time of his life
Now, if there's one player who has redeemed himself under Lampard, it has to be Ross Barkley. He finally seems to be looking like the player that Chelsea paid a handsome amount for. The way he is running, the way he is taking on his markers and the way he is putting the ball through is magnificent. It is an absolute treat to watch him for any football fan.
Barkley was touted as "the next big thing" a few years back. However, things didn't turn out the way he would have liked. He got injured at a very crucial phase of his career and nearly lost a full season.
After returning from injury, last season was expected to be his breakthrough year. But he just didn't look confident enough and was often too cautious, seemingly afraid to look for chances. He was happy to play the ball sideways and not be aggressive enough. Soon enough, he lost his spot in the starting lineup and was often seen on the bench.
This pre-season has, however, brought his career back on track. Due to Ruben Loftus-Cheek's injury, Barkley has been entrusted with a lot more responsibility. Moreover, a double pivot at the base has given him the freedom to move forward.
In the game against Salzburg, Chelsea started with some loose balls and seemed to lack control. But as the game went on, the Blues grew into the game. Around the 20th-minute mark, Kepa Arrizabalaga caught the ball and put it into Barkley's path.
Barkley ran ahead with the ball and played a glorious pass across the field to Christian Pulisic; moments later, Pulisic finished it with ease. Later on in the game, Barkley was at the edge of the box and whipped the ball in. Pedro got close and finished it with an outrageous back-heel.
Barkley has been in red-hot form throughout the pre-season. It seems as if Lampard has breathed new life into him. It is important for the club that Barkley continues this form and keeps playing like this into the regular season. Next season, we might just end up seeing a shade of Lampard in a no.8 at Stamford Bridge.
Shaky defence
The defense must be the first thing in Frank Lampard's mind right now. Perhaps the biggest area of concern for Chelsea has to be the number of goals they are conceding at the moment. Moreover, most of the goals conceded have been a direct result of careless mistakes and poor decisions.
Now, the same issue had affected them last season. There were several instances where Chelsea lacked focus and conceded simple goals. Moreover, set-piece defending has also become a problem for Chelsea recently.
In the match against Reading, Chelsea's awful set-piece marking was in full display. From a corner, Reading's attackers were left completely unmarked at the far post. Later on, Chelsea's center-backs failed to communicate and ended up leaving a free path for a goal to be scored.
Last night, Chelsea ended up conceding three goals against Salzburg. What is disturbing is that Chelsea have failed to realize their defensive frailties. Yesterday, the starting line-up featured David Luiz and Fikayo Tomori's pairing at the heart of defense. It is possible that these two weren't able to perform properly due to their lack of understanding. However, with a senior defender like Luiz starting, Chelsea should be worried about conceding two unnecessary late goals last night.
As the season begins, Lampard must do something to improve his defense. Scoring five and then conceding three isn't really the ideal practice for a season. The center-backs must pull up their socks if Chelsea realistically want a piece of silverware this season.
Not enough assured starters
This pre-season has seen many forgotten players get their opportunities for Chelsea, while many young stars have featured regularly as well. What this has done is that it has given a fair opportunity to several players.
Many have already been guaranteed a place in the first team like Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham. However, some spots are up for grabs as no contender has been able to assert their authority over it.
Due to the multiple formations in use, Chelsea need to have depth in all positions. Last night, there were some interesting things happening as far as positioning and formations are concerned for the Blues.
Firstly, the center-back positions look up for grabs. With as many as five specialist center-backs in the squad, Chelsea have enough options but look very unsettled in this area. The center-back pairing lacks chemistry. Perhaps the return of Antonio Rudiger will brighten things up.
Secondly, the striker positions are also subjects of contention. While it is almost certain that Olivier Giroud cannot be a regular starter anymore, the issues around Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi are a little more confusing.
Both have fantastic abilities but their skill sets are very different. Yesterday, both looked lively and Batshuayi ended up scoring a goal towards the end. It is looking more and more likely that the nature of the opponent will decide Chelsea's forward line-up.
Finally, due to the fluidity in tactics under Lampard, players are playing in a variety of positions. Last night, Andreas Christensen played in midfield for some time. While people would debate that David Luiz is a better midfielder than Christensen, this decision of Lampard's can prove to be a game-changer.
Overall, there are many positions up for grabs and it looks like Chelsea will be going in with all the depth they can get and will change their side according to the opponent.
