Chelsea might well be on their way to lifting the Premier League trophy in a couple of months after a well dominated campaign, but their European display suggests that even their all powerful squad needs reinforcements.
Having had a taste of winning the Champions League before, both Chelsea and Mourinho will be looking to make their mark in Europe next season. However in order to do so, Mourinho needs to plug the gaps in his side this summer.
Some of the key issues this season were the lack of a complete midfielder who can not only fill in as a central midfielder, but step up as a defensive midfielder too. Matic has been sensational for the Blues since rejoining them, but in absence of the Serbian, the Chelsea midfield have struggled.
Further Oscar’s inconsistencies mean that Chelsea have often lacked an attacking presence at the middle of the park, someone who can control the game in the final third. More often than not, the Blues have had to rely on Hazard to create most, if not all of their chances.
Finally, the wing back position needs addressing too. Filipe Luis, despite his defensive qualities offers little going forward and is regressing with age. The same could be said about the sensational Ivanovic, who will continue to regress with time.
Here are three Bundesliga stars who could address all of Chelsea’ weaknesses and propel them towards European glory next season.
Granit Xhaka
The Borussia M.Gladbach midfielder is only 22 and already one of the best players in the league. The Swiss international has been turning heads around Europe with his exceptional displays for the German outfit this season.
Xhaka is a superb passer of the ball and provides a combative presence in the midfield. His ability to read the game, aerial prowess, interception, tackling and positioning, makes him the complete package.
Xhaka would not only provide an able backup for Matic, he would be an upgrade from the likes of Ramires as well. The Swiss midfielder is still very young and under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho, the potential for growth is limitless.
Roberto Firmino
Undoubtedly one of the young attacking midfielders in the world, Roberto Firmino is a target for most Champions League clubs this summer.
The Brazilian has been lighting up the Bundesliga for a couple of seasons now. The Hoffenheim attacking midfielder has been in sensational form and would be the perfect alternative to compatriot Oscar. Despite his obvious talent, Oscar has failed to produce consistently over the course of the season since he joined the Blues.
Firmino’s passing in the final third, flair, eye for a goal and his defensive contribution makes him an ideal player for the Premier League and especially Jose Mourinho. He would not only add the much needed consistency that Oscar hasn’t delivered, he would also take some of the creative burden off Hazard too.
Ricardo Rodriguez
Chelsea have three quality full backs in Ivanovic, Azpilicueta and Filipe Luis. However, the likes of Luis and Ivanovic are in their 30s now and will continue to regress with time. It is about time Chelsea address their full back situation with a relatively younger but proven player.
Ricardo Rodriguez has been a star in the Bundesliga for a few seasons now. The Swiss full back made his mark in the World Cup as well and is one of the most coveted talents in world football right now.
It would be tough to prise him away from Wolfsburg, considering their form and riches. But at 22 and with his skillset, Rodriguez is arguably one of the top three left backs in the world and would improve Chelsea significantly.
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