Road to Redemption:  How Chelsea can get back to former glory

Chelsea FC v West Ham United - Premier League
Chelsea FC v West Ham United - Premier League

#3 Bolster Defense

David Luiz
David Luiz

Sir Alex Ferguson once had said,

"Offense wins games defense wins titles"

A rock solid defense is a prerequisite to emerge from the brutality of the English Premier League on top. No attack however spectacular can win titles in England without a reliable defensive unit to back it up. Look at what the arrival of Virgil Van Dijk has done for Liverpool's title hopes. Everybody lost their minds when Manchester City spent over €200 million on their defense before last season. Not only did they win the Premier League in record-smashing fashion, but are in the running to complete an unprecedented 'quadruple' and repeat as Premier League Champions this year.

Azpilicueta is a reliable leader who gives his best for each game irrespective of the position he's required to play and is an asset to Chelsea. However he does leave a little to be desired as opposed to natural full backs who are either quicker or can put in devastating long balls. Meanwhile Marcos Alonso's honeymoon period at Chelsea has come to a grinding halt as his defensive frailties are being repeatedly exposed in a four man defense. Alonso is a great wing back who thrives ahead of a three man defense but as a pure full back he is a liability. David Luiz can be spectacular at times and his passing is invaluable to Sarri's playing style. But he is too error prone and is frequently caught out of position during opposition counter attacks. His qualities are superb, just not what is needed from a centre-back.

Youngsters like Emerson and Christensen need to be given more chances to see if they can be consistent starters for Chelsea. If Christensen can step up he could form a formidable partnership with the increasingly impressive Rudiger. Even if Emerson impresses, Chelsea should definitely look for a natural full back in the market considering their increasing importance in football.

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