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Chelsea have been among the best teams in world football since Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003.
Thanks to their wide array of achievements in the modern era, they are one of the most successful Premier League clubs in the 21st century. They are currently in a three-horse race with Liverpool and Manchester City.
The two-time Champions League winners have changed the way the game is approached, especially in the last two decades. In a sport where managers like Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Bill Shankly spent over a decade with a single club, Chelsea have radically changed the managerial approach.
Chelsea are built on a short-term success model
A key aspect of Chelsea under Roman Abramovich has been giving managers only two to three seasons to prove their competence.
Thomas Tuchel has impressed during his ongoing 11-month stint at Stamford Bridge. Under him, Chelsea won the Champions League last season, and evolved from a top-four side to a serious title contender in the Premier League as well.
Unlike Liverpool and Manchester United, Chelsea have an overall strong squad instead of a few world-class names.
That makes it quite difficult to select their most potent 5-a-side team. Nevertheless, some players stand out, and would be key inclusions while playing on a smaller pitch. Here is how Chelsea’s finest 5-a-side team would look like:
#1 Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy has stamped his authority as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Senegalese would deservingly take his place as the first name in Chelsea’s hypothetical 5-a-side team.
A massive upgrade on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mendy has been critically acclaimed as one of the best goalkeepers in 2021.
The former Rennes shot-stopper has kept 23 Premier League clean sheets for Chelsea. This season alone, he has made six or more saves in five league games. Mendy is a large reason why Chelsea have the best defence in the Premier League. They would dearly miss him when he goes for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
Mendy’s solid displays have helped him make an entry into the discussion for the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, alongside Alisson and Ederson. His passing ability might not be at the level of the two Brazilian goalkeepers. However, shot-stopping prowess has earned him immense plaudits. With a save percentage of 85.1%, Mendy is one of most efficient goalkeepers in the game.
#2 Reece James
A full-back featuring as the solitary defender in a 5-a-side team would not be common.
However, because of Reece James’ defensive capabilities, that would be a possibility. James is the ideal modern-day full-back. He is fast and physical, can defend well, and is fabulous on the ball.
James is a robust defender who can operate as a centre-back in a 3-man defence. He is also great going forward, which is evident in his goal contributions this season. He is tied with Mason Mount for most assists (four) for Chelsea in the Premier League this campaign. He has also scored four goals for his boyhood club, ranking second among Chelsea players in 2021-22.
Reece James has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. The 22-year-old would be a fascinating option to have in a 5-a-side environment. His versatility would allow him to play as a box-to-box player.
The presence of an out-an-out defensive midfielder would let James go on his attacking errands.
#3 N’Golo Kante
Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante has been arguably the best defensive midfielder in the last few years.
The former Leicester star has won back-to-back Premier League titles with two different clubs. The diminutive midfielder is renowned for winning the ball back, and working tirelessly at both ends of the pitch.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France would be a joy to have in 5-a-side football. The Chelsea No.7 would just never stop running, and would be virtually omnipresent in the restricted playing area. While his defensive contributions require no elaboration, Kante would also be influential in the attacking areas.
Kante would form a great duo with Reece James. When the English right-back would bomb forward, Kante would play as the stand-in defender. The Paris-born player’s height and agility could be used to his advantage. One would only imagine Kante running rings around opposition players in 5-a-side football.
#4 Mason Mount
Mason Mount’s rise to the top of the Chelsea pecking order has been rapid but fully deserved.
Despite Chelsea making a plethora of signings last season, Mount held his own, and locked his place in Thomas Tuchel’s favoured lineup. He appeared 54 times in all competitions for Chelsea last season.
Mount scored six goals and provided five assists in the Premier League last season. He has already matched that goal tally this season, and is just one short of equalling his tally of five assists from the previous campaign. Despite Romelu Lukaku’s €115 million transfer, Mount is Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League this season.
Mount would be at the heart of Chelsea’s 5-a-side team. His goal would be to get on the scoresheet and supply assists to the attacker. However, he would also do his fair share of defending.
The Chelsea youth academy product is the poster boy for the London-based club, would be a nailed-on player in their hypothetical 5-a-side lineup.
#5 Hakim Ziyech
Unlike most selections in this team, this one would cause a few debates. As mentioned earlier, Chelsea’s recent attacking recruits have flattered to deceive.
Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner have not been able to hold down their places in the lineup consistently. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku might not be suited to the 5-a-side style of play.
Hakim Ziyech has the most flair in the current Chelsea team. Renowned for his dribbling and technique, Ziyech would fit well in Chelsea’s hypothetical 5-a-side team.
His one-footedness would get overlooked on a small field. With a touch or two, the Moroccan would be able to get the ball on his favoured left foot before launching a strike.
The former Ajax talisman hasn’t had the best of times at Stamford Bridge. His career at Chelsea has been plagued by injuries. Nevertheless, his place in Chelsea’s 5-a-side team would be almost assured. That’s because none of his other Chelsea teammates possess the same level of skill and trickery as Ziyech.
