The first season of the new decade marks the beginning of a new generation for Chelsea. A generation that aims to be vibrant, filled with potential, and hungry for success. Led by Frank Lampard, the goal is to attain league and European glory. It is a long way indeed, but the signs are there, the determination is there, and the ambition, undoubtedly, is there.
With the 2020/2021 season around the corner, Chelsea have clearly shown their aspirations. After not signing any new players last season due to the transfer ban imposition, they have integrated the side with six new signings. They are a mixture of youth and experience, just what Lampard needed to take the young side he had built over the last season to greater heights. The new arrivals are sure to elevate the side in multiple aspects. Lampard has given priority to the attack making three high profile transfers while also focusing on sorting out the defense with some quality signings.
The Attack
Even without the new additions, Chelsea had a potent attack. Mason Mount emerged as an exciting prospect. Tammy Abraham was able to replicate the form he was in at Derby County, and Pulisic had a great run during the later stage. However, with Willian and Pedro departing and Giroud reaching his twilight, Lampard has focused on giving the attack a new shape. Lampard’s recent acquisitions demonstrate his emphasis on youth and his project for the long term. It is fascinating to see how these signings will fit in the team.
The German Wonderkid
Kai Havertz’s arrival at Chelsea marked the end of a very long and grueling saga for the Chelsea fans. From spamming all of Chelsea’s social media feed with “ Announce Havertz ” comments to the cherished memories they ended up making with the Bayer Leverkusen’s Twitter admin, it finally reached the climax when both the Bayer Leverkusen and German national team announced he had left the camp. Havertz was announced a couple of days after the drama peaked.
The 20-year-old had 29 goals and nine assists to his name in the last two Bundesliga seasons. Nevertheless, it was not just his goal involvements that made him Lampard’s primary target; it was also due to his intelligence and versatility. Primarily, he is best suited to operate at the no. 10 position while drifting on to the right. It creates a balance in the attack with multiple left-sided attacking options like Werner, Pulisic, and Mount. He has an excellent range of passing and accuracy. With such a dynamic front three, he will play a key role in creating chances and providing those quality passes from the midfield.
He is also capable of playing as a center-forward and as a right-sided inverted winger. Nevertheless, with the arrivals of Werner and Ziyech, he might solely play in the creative no. 10 position or as a false 9 making the runs between the lines. He will be providing plenty of options for Lampard and a bit of ‘happy headache.’
Turbo Timo
Timo Werner is another addition to the elusive list of forwards who joined Chelsea for a considerable sum. From the highs of Drogba and Costa to some rather atrocious ones of Shevchenko and Morata, the list is genuinely fascinating. Lampard, surely, will be hoping and praying for him to end up on the bright side of the spectrum.
Joining the Blues after an outstanding 28 goals season for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, Werner seems to be a great addition to Lampard’s side. He possesses both Giroud’s off the ball movements and build-up skills coupled with Abraham’s finishing skills. His incredible pace, giving him the nickname Turbo Timo, makes it easier for him to find spaces between the defenders and break the defense lines. Chelsea have always been a team that overload both the flanks during the attack. Therefore, Lampard will be looking for him to play as a center forward who drifts left in the transition to form a partnership with Pulisic. The side will also primarily benefit from his speed during the counter-attacks and while pressing on the attacking third.
One problem, however, is Werner’s lack of aerial presence. The forward, winning only 9 out of 37 aerial duels than 67 out of 178 and 44 out of 85 for Abraham and Giroud respectively, is a downgrade. To minimize the effect, Lampard might shift him to the left-wing position or play Giroud or Abraham alongside him in a two striker partnership in a 4-4-2 system. All the fans will be hoping for Lampard to find the perfect balance in the attack.
The Moroccan Magician
Hakim Ziyech was Chelsea’s first signing since the transfer ban was lifted. The Bridge did not need any more proof of his brilliance after they had witnessed it back in November during the Champions League Group Stage. Ziyech had produced a spectacular performance for Ajax against Chelsea in an enthralling 4-4 draw. He assisted two and scored a freekick, which was later deemed as an own goal for Kepa. It must have been enough for Lampard to add him to his transfer list. Furthermore, it took only a couple of months for him to sign the magician.
With 27 goals and 33 assists in his last two seasons, he’d been a class apart at Ajax. Possessing a marvelous left foot, Ziyech has an excellent passing range as well. He. He mostly plays as an inverted winger on the right-hand side and occasionally covers the no. 10 position. Along with his playing abilities, he will bring plenty of experience in the attack, which is filled with young players.
His potential partnership with Havertz on the right will be the one to watch. Both of them are capable of playing in the no. 10 and the inverted winger position. Despite favoring the left foot, Havertz and Ziyech vary so much in their style of play. Havertz is known for his calculated and precise passes. In contrast, Ziyech isn’t afraid of taking risks and tries to be as creative as possible. Their combination will provide a mixture of weighted through balls and juicy crosses from the right flank.
The Defense
The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson once famously said,“Attack wins you games, defense wins you titles.” And if this Chelsea side are to challenge for titles, they surely need to work on their defensive culpability. Last season, Chelsea conceded more goals than any other side in the top half of the league and suffered greatly due to individual errors at the back. There have been some exciting new additions to the team that promise to improve the defense.
O Monstro
After leading PSG to their first ever Champions League final and falling just short of Bayern Munich for the chance to lay hands on the prestigious trophy, Thiago Silva bid farewell as a club legend and joined Chelsea to move onto yet another chapter in his illustrious career. Having struggled miserably with the defense last season, Silva brings much hope in this Chelsea side, albeit for the short term.
At 35 years of age, Thiago Silva is still one of the best in his position. The Brazillian veteran’s composure is much needed at the Bridge, as their defense has been prone to so many silly mistakes time and time again. With Silva’s exceptional leadership and calm, Lampard will be looking forward to fixing his leaky defense.
Silva and Zouma will preferably be their first choice CB duo. Silva is excellent on the ball, rarely goes in for early challenges, and is good at delaying the attack. In contrast, Zouma has excellent aerial presence and does not shy away from tackles. Silva will bring much-needed experience and maturity in the back. His presence will surely boost the confidence of players around him. Young defenders like Tomori, Zouma, and Sarr will have plenty to learn from him.
End to the left-back woes
Since the departure of Ashely Cole, Chelsea have struggled to find a proper replacement in the left-back role. With the likes of Emerson, Filipe Luis, and Marcos Alonso failing to fill in his boots. Lampard had clearly shown his lack of faith in Marcos Alonso and only deployed him as a left wing-back during the last season. Therefore, it did not take too long for Lampard to sign Ben Chilwell from Leicester.
Scoring three goals and three assists, he was a vital part of the Leicester side that finished fifth in a season troubled by injuries. An offensive-minded player who loves to carry the ball in the attacking third, Ben Chilwell will be looking to end Chelsea’s misery in the fullback’s position. Chilwell will add more width to the attack and create more chances than Cesar Azpilicueta, who played out of position as a left-back last season. It shouldn’t be hard for him to build a partnership with Pulisic and Werner on the left. With a relatively less creative midfield of Kante, Kovacic, and Jorginho, Chelsea will likely adapt to playing through the width, with the fullbacks going forward and midfield dropping deep.
Although he is outstanding offensively, his defensive side is not as great. However, due to the presence of the reliable Thiago Silva at the back, he will have a lot less to worry about. Silva’s composure will probably make up for Chilwell’s shortcomings.
Another young prodigy
Along with the many first-team signings, Lampard has acquired yet another youth prospect in Malang Sarr. At just 21 years of age, the French defender looks one for the future. He is a left-footed center back with good technical ability and is very good on the ball. These assets are valued high in today’s game. With Thiago Silva alongside him, he has an opportunity to learn from one of the greats and be his successor in the future. He might not be getting many starts early on, but with such congested fixtures, he will surely be a good rotation providing rest to Silva.
Final verdict
Chelsea have shown what they are capable of, off the pitch, in this transfer market. Lampard must be happy with all the new exciting arrivals, but he knows that job is only half done. Now he has to replicate the same performance on the pitch. It is going to be an even more demanding job than what Lampard had to do last season. He must find a proper system to bring the most out of his players. He could not find his best XI, and with so many new faces, it will be even more challenging. To find the right balance and combination among his players will be his priority. We are, of course, very aware how impatient the Bridge gets. The fans won’t let Lampard off the hook as quickly as they have this season. It is going to be a real test of character and philosophy for Lampard and this season. With so much potential in this young and yet to be molded side, the pensioners will have some fascinating times to look forward to.