da spicy bet： Chelsea are finally closing in on the midfielder despite Liverpool's best efforts – and it's just as well, because he will be intrinsic to their style
da winzada777： A new era in Chelsea's storied history gets underway in earnest as the 2023-24 season begins. The squad and indeed the coaching staff are unrecognisable from the group that ended 2022-23 at Stamford Bridge, with the club evidently desperate to consign a nightmare campaign to the history books.
Chelsea's unprecedented summer clear-out and a smattering of new arrivals means new head coach Mauricio Pochettino inherits a rejuvenated – if incomplete – Blues squad, with muted anticipation for a more successful season ahead. Indeed, the only way is surely up.
But how will Argentine tactician set up his side in what will be a watershed period in the Blues' modern history? GOAL runs through what should be his go-to line-up below…
GettyGK: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Pochettino has a sudden selection headache following the £25 million ($32m) arrival of Robert Sanchez from Brighton, but – for the time being, at least – it makes sense to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga.
There's no guarantee he will be the long-term first choice, especially amid links with Bayern Munich, but Kepa offers a modicum of continuity amid the unprecedented upheaval. Aside from a few lapses, Kepa was much improved last season, with a 73% save percentage in the league and a post-shot xG minus goals allowed of +5, which meant he ranked third among Premier League goalkeepers in the most reliable metric for measuring shot-stopping ability.
Sanchez, on the other hand, lost his place at Brighton and slipped to third in the pecking order.
Pochettino has already suggested Kepa is his No.1 for the moment: "They know they are going to fight for the No.1. At the moment, Kepa is a little bit ahead. With time, we will see if Robert is there and can challenge Kepa."
AdvertisementGettyRB: Reece James
A no-brainer on the right side of defence. Reece James is Chelsea's new club captain and, barring any further fitness issues on the horizon, he is a guaranteed starter.
Pochettino does prefer a 4-2-3-1 shape and there is an argument that James is not at his best in a flat back-four given his potency as an attacking wing-back. New signing Malo Gusto will also provide him with stiff competition and quality cover.
However, James is arguably the Blues' best player, and the added responsibility of the captaincy means he should be the first name on the team sheet.
GettyCB: Thiago Silva
The swansong begins. In what will likely be his final season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will once again rely heavily upon the defensive nous and immeasurable experience of Thiago Silva.
Unsurprisingly, the 38-year-old phenomenon remained one of the club's most consistent performers throughout a turbulent 2022-23 campaign, and as a serial winner he will be determined to right the wrongs of last season on the pitch before bidding an emotional farewell to the Blues.
Indeed, he will also be crucial in being an on-field mentor for his young centre-back partner…
Getty ImagesCB: Levi Colwill
Chelsea clung on to their latest outstanding academy graduate for dear life and finally managed to tie him down to a new long-term contract. Now it's time to back him.
He initially had to fight for his place in the team, but Levi Colwill eventually made his Premier League breakthrough on loan at Brighton in 2022-23 and he has proven that he is ready for the top level.
Given they have no European football to contend with and following the serious knee injury to Wesley Fofana, Pochettino should throw Colwill in at the deep end at left centre-back and build for the future. He has all the attributes to become a club legend.