With Antonio Conte coming in our Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are expecting vast defensive improvements next season at Stamford Bridge.
The club put in the worst title defence in Premier League history in 2015/16, seeing Jose Mourinho sacked halfway through the year, and many of the players falling far short of the standards they had set in the season prior.
The Blues will be hoping for far better fortunes in 2016/17 under the Italian and one things for sure they’re getting a winner in the dugout.
Conte is a very strong personality and will let his feelings be known if the players aren’t performing how they should and it’s this that served him well in winning titles with Juventus in Serie A.
Another foundation of Juventus’ success under Conte was their good defensive record, and this is something to expect from Chelsea next year as they look to turn Stamford Bridge back into a fortress.
There’s bound to be plenty of names linked with the Blues over the next few months and here at the Transfer Tavern, our landlord thinks this could be Chelsea’s dream back four ready for kick off in August……
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE CHELSEA DREAM DEFENCE!
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Thibaut Courtois – Goalkeeper
Despite a difficult season the Belgian is still one the best between the sticks and has much to offer the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Courtois is a good shot stopper and imposing in the air, so it would be hard to find a replacement for him – and the fact that there’s a new manager in Conte coming in should be enough to convince the former Atletico Madrid man that Chelsea is still the place to win trophies.
Cesar Azpilicueta – Right Back
Azpilicueta has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent defenders this season just gone, and his versatility to play on either side as a full back deserves more accolades than it perhaps gets.
The Spaniard is coming into his prime at the club and can balance attacking and defending well, which allows him to be one of the best in the league.
An underrated gem at the club and should play on his favoured side now Branislav Ivanovic is past it.
Leonardo Bonucci – Centre Back
The Italian has been part of the hugely successful Juventus team since 2010, and is as consistent as they come in the heart of defence.
There’s no indication that he’s unhappy in Turin but at 29-years-old if he wants to try his luck in a different league, this could be his best chance.
Bonucci knows Conte from both Juve and the Italian national team and would be the new boss’ man on the pitch, helping him transfer his instructions.
John Terry/John Stones – Centre Back
John Terry finally signed a contract extension this month to keep him at the club for next season at least and whilst that is good news for Conte’s defence, it remains to be seen how frequently the captain starts.
This in mind a contingency plan must be put in place and John Stones would be perfect to act as this.
Learning from the Chelsea legend – Stones still needs to work on his defending – would be hugely beneficial for the Everton man and then when Terry does retire the Blues would have a ready made replacement.
Alex Sandro – Left Back
With Ivanovic on the wane and therefore Azpilicueta moving over to the right back role Chelsea’s left back position becomes available.
For so long it was Ashley Cole’s position, but his Stamford Bridge career is gone now and the Blues need another mainstay in his place.
Alex Sandro would be a top left back for the club for years to come and like Azpilicueta provides attacking threat combined with defensive ability.
