Europa League Beckons for Chelsea next season.......
The next 10 days will arguably be the most crucial 10 days for Chelsea Football Club as they seek to finish in the top four of the English Premier League, reach the FA Cup finals and try to beat odds on favourites Barcelona to reach the Uefa Champions league finals.
This is no mean task for Roberto Di Matteo's side and one clearly beyond them if the last 3 games are anything to go by. Chelsea struggled mightily against Benfica, needed a stroke of luck to overcome Wigan and looked tired and jaded against a resolute Fulham side last night.
The fight for the fourth and final champions league spot not only looks ominous for The Blues due to the congested fixtures but will see them face Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and West London rivals QPR in the run in. I can safely bet that Chelsea will finish outside the top four for the first time in the Abramovich era unless Tottenham self-destruct which is highly improbable.
Can Chelsea stun Barcelona and qualify for the Uefa Champions League final? This is also highly improbable considering that the tie will be two legged and it has proved impossible for teams to beat Barcelona over two legs. This leaves the FA cup as the only solace for Chelsea this season but they have to overcome a faltering Tottenham side that are looking to salvage a once highly promising season.
It's do or die for Chelsea in the next fortnight but what is the best way forward?
The main handicap for Chelsea this season has been their slow build up game which enables their opponents to easily defend against. This slow build up game has allowed opponents to launch attacks without fear of getting caught out and as a result has taken out the fear factor that once enveloped teams facing Chelsea.
Chelsea need urgency in its play and a major overhaul is eminent with the likes of Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Florent Malouda, Ferreira, Jose Bosingwa, Michael Essien, Obi Mikel and possibly Ashley Cole departing and leaving room for a younger and more hungry replacements. The million dollar question is who is the right buy for Chelsea and why? below are 6 players that I believe can not only bring pace and guile into Chelsea's play but will not cost an arm and a leg either;
1. The Athletico Bilbao Trio;
Javi Martinez: 6ft 3in 23 year old defensive midfielder known for his high energy game. He is arguably one of the best passers of the ball in the primera liga. His quick passing game will help bring about urgency in Chelsea game. He can also play as a central defender if called upon.
Can replace both Essien and Mikel while acting as a defensive cover if need calls upon.
Oscar De Marcos: 22 year old forward player with pace to burn. The 6 feet player is among the rising stars of Spanish Football and has been lauded for his versatility. He has been used in midfield as well as full back on several occasions this season and excelled. A ball player with a great engine.
Will replace Salomon Kalou. Can also be a defensive right back if called upon. Will highly supplement Juan Mata.
Iker Muniain: 19 year old winger/forward is one of the stars of the U-21 World Cup and has already earned 1 cap for the Spanish National team. He is not only pacy but full of trickery and just what the doctor prescribed for Chelsea.
Will replace Florent Malouda and bring a quick tempo to Chelsea's game.
The trio might cost a combined £80 million.
4. Alvaro Pereira: 26 year old Uruguay wing back currently plays for FC Porto. He is an all action wing back with a great engine. He has one of the best left footed crosses in European football and will add a new dimension to Chelsea’s game. A bid from Chelsea earlier in the year was rejected by Porto.
Ideal replacement for Ashley Cole.
Cost £18million
5. Axel Witsel: 23 year old Belgian international midfielder with an eye for a pass and a good work rate. Considered one of the best midfielders in Portugal and can easily play as an attacking midfielder. He will bring freshness into Chelsea's midfield and provide adequate long term replacement for Frank Lampard.
Cost: £15 million
6. Gonzalo Higuain: The prolific 24 year old French born Argentine international seems surplus to requirements at the Santiago Barnebeu but might just be the tonic for Chelsea. He has averaged a goal every other game and can be an instant hit in the premier league because of his quick feet and eye for goal. He will be the right partner for Fernando Torres upfront.
£20 million
£ 130 million might be too much for Abramovich but his Chelsea side need a breath of fresh air and the 6 mentioned above could revive their floundering fortunes.