The difference between Chelsea making top four and not making top four this season could genuinely come down to what we do in the rest of this window.
I really think that what we do with a new winger and a new striker could make all the difference to where we finish this season.
We can see some positive signs, it’s there. We know that we will improve more as well the more Enzo Maresca gets his ideas across and the style of play comes together. I do have concerns about the defence, and the amount of midfielders we have to fit in, as I wrote in another article today. So with all that said it might well end up being similar to last season in that we will need to rely on our attack to score plenty of goals in order to win games.
At the moment, I’m not confident we have the quality for that, at least not over all. We’ve got some quality for sure. But I’d argue that we actually probably need two wingers, one for either side. Or perhaps what is more smarter, is a winger who can play both sides. If we don’t get that, and we don’t get the right target there, which is more important than getting anyone at all, then I think it will genuinely make a difference to whether we make top four or not.
Maresca likes touchline 1v1 wingers. Cole Palmer is not that. That leaves is with Noni Madueke as the lone option for right winger, we absolutely need to add another established and quality option on that side, but one who can also operate on both sides. A true winger is what we need.
And then the striker, which I think is equally as important. We have to get this SPOT ON. We have to get an out and out number 9 profile, one who is a focal point and has physicality, but also good a decent bit of experience. Good in the air and good contributions to play.
If we get both the above then I genuinely think we can seriously challenge for top four. But if we don’t get that and get the wrong options, then I don’t think we will.
I will say that I’m also still not convinced about the goalkeeper position, just putting that on record too!
I have to do my season predictions soon, I’m not looking forward to that! It’s hard to call really, that’s the truth. But I do have concerns at this point.
