It says a lot about the level of expectation at Stamford Bridge, that Chelsea fans are still mourning the Champions League exit to Paris St Germain last week, when the Blues look set to be crowned Premier League champions for the fourth time in a matter of weeks.
Jose Mourinho’s men have been top of the table since the first month of the season, and in truth have never really looked close to giving up that position.
Yet still, there is a desire to see Chelsea’s squad strengthened in the summer, as well as some possible outgoings.
The style of football has often been dull, whilst their shock FA Cup exit at Bradford and last week’s woeful display against PSG are both causes for concern.
The 2014-15 season looks set to end with Premier League and Capital One Cup glory, but Roman Abramovich is a man notorious for wanting more.
Here we have identified the dream starting XI for the Blues to start next season with.
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Click on Jose Mourinho to reveal the dream starting XI for Chelsea next season
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Thibaut Courtois
Chelsea are perhaps the strongest side in the whole of Europe with regards to the goalkeepers at their disposal.
Petr Cech is said to be keen to move to a club that will guarantee him first team football next season, and although Mourinho is keen to keep the 32-year-old, Thibaut Courtois has enjoyed an outstanding debut season in England – and he is only going to get better.
Branislav Ivanovic
The Serb has been the best full back in the country this season, and has more goals to his name than the likes of Liverpool’s £16 million striker Mario Balotelli.
Ivanovic has always had a habit of popping up with important goals, and this season has been no different – with a semi final winner against Liverpool, and three goals in quick succession in the Premier League to help Mourinho’s men maintain their lead over Manchester City at the top.
John Terry
Despite now being 34 years of age, it is debatable as to whether there has been a better defender in the Premier League this season than John Terry.
Jose Mourinho certainly doesn’t think so, with the former England captain seemingly getting better with age.
He looks certain to pick up his fourth Premier League medal at the end of the season, and should be rewarded with another one year contract, and an attempt to pick up a fifth next season.
Raphael Varane
The France international has struggled to hold down a regular first team place at Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti often preferring the partnership of Sergio Ramos and Pepe.
Varane is a player who Mourinho knows well, having been given his first team debut by the Portuguese coach during his spell in charge at the Bernabeu.
Mourinho remains a keen admirer, and reportedly has him down his number one target for the summer.
Gary Cahill has struggled for consistency this term, and with Terry approaching the age of 35, Varane would be the solution for the present and the future, with youngster Kurt Zouma also having impressed when called upon this term.
Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard known as ‘Dave’ amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful, has been the model of consistency for the past two seasons.
Although he has not repeated the form that saw him voted the club’s player of last season, Azpilicueta looks set to end the season as a Premier League champion, and having held down his first team place, despite the arrival of Felipe Luis for big money last summer.
Nemanja Matic
Prior to his red card against Burnley, and the freak injury during the Capital One Cup celebrations, the Serb was a contender for Chelsea’s player of the season.
His form has dipped in the past few weeks, but he remains a class act in that defensive midfield role. Jose Mourinho has worked with some of the best in that position during his career, and the fact he rates Matic so highly speaks volumes of just how important he is to this Chelsea side.
Paul Pogba
Rumours were going around last summer that Chelsea were in for Paul Pogba, with some even suggesting the Juventus star had met with Jose Mourinho in London.
Rumours surrounding the France international’s future are set to kick off once again this summer, and Chelsea will no doubt force themselves to the front of the queue if Juventus indicate they are willing to sell – no matter what the price.
The 22-year-old is up there with the very best midfielders in Europe at the moment, and would strengthen a Chelsea midfield which is already comfortably the best in the country.
Cesc Fabregas
The Spaniard is another who has seen his form dip in recent weeks, but prior to that he had been a contenter for the signing of the season.
The former Barcelona and Arsenal man has over 20 assists in all competitions this term, with his early season form proving key to Chelsea establishing a lead at the top.
There is some debate over where his best position is, but with Oscar struggling to be consistent, Fabregas would surely be best suited to that number 10 role moving forward.
Eden Hazard
Chelsea have a few players at their disposal who fall into the bracket of world class, but perhaps none more so than Eden Hazard.
The Belgian carried Chelsea often last season, and this term he has thrived alongside summer signings Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa.
He was crowned PFA young player of the year last season, and is likely to be challenging for the same award again next month.
And the exciting thing for Chelsea fans, is that at the age of 24, he is only going to get better.
Mauro Icardi
Chelsea are spoilt for choice somewhat with attacking players to pick from, with Willian, Oscar and Juan Cuadrado all competing for places in the starting line up.
The problem with all three has been the lack of goals on a regular basis.
Mauro Icardi prefers to play in a central striker role, but would be more than capable of playing anywhere across a front three, or in a number 10 position.
The 22-year-old has been outstanding for Inter Milan this term – a club which Mourinho still holds an excellent relationship with – and has fired 15 goals in 23 starts in Serie A this term.
Diego Costa
Chelsea fans took Diego Costa to their hearts within the opening match of the Premier League season, with the Spain international taking to English football immediatley.
His discipline on the pitch may be a slight cause for concern, but that plays it’s part in a style of play that has seen him fire 19 goals this season to help Chelsea to the top of the Premier League.
With the Blues having signed big money flops such as Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres in recent years, Diego Costa has been a breath of fresh air for the Stamford Bridge faithful, and looks set to lead the line for many seasons to come.
