By Alexander Lapp
The worst kept secret has officially been announced: Antonio Conte is the new manager for Chelsea.
He comes in with much excitement and the expectations to qualify for Champions League and challenge for the Premier League crown again.
One thing is for certain: Roman Abramovich will hand over a nice transfer kitty for Conte to rebuild the squad. There are players who will leave and will be replaced by high quality players.
Who will be in the starting XI for Chelsea in 2016/17? Many locals at the Tavern will be creating their wish lists for Conte.
Do they focus on the defence? Is the forward the biggest question mark with Diego Costa rumoured to leave? Whatever happens, the current players in the squad will be happy to see a fresh face. New managers give fringe players a chance to prove they’re worthy of the club.
With all that said, here is Chelsea’s ultimate XI for Conte with the 4-2-3-1 formation…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE ULTIMATE XI!
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Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
The rumours have intensified that the star Belgian will be out the doors to Real Madrid, but until that happens, he will be the undisputed number one for Conte.
He is one of the best keepers in the world and his play has been spectacular since he’s been at Chelsea. For any manager to have immediate success, having a fantastic keeper is essential.
If Courtois does leave for Spain, rumours have it that Fraser Forster could make his way to Stamford Bridge.
Although the punters debate whether he should be the man to take over, every Blues fan is desperate to keep Courtois happy. Thibaut Courtois is vital for success at Chelsea.
Right Back: Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta was brought in as a right back, but since his arrival, he has mainly been deployed on the left.
With Branislav Ivanovic not getting any younger, it may be time for the Spaniard to move back to his natural position.
He would be an immediate upgrade to Ivanovic, whose performances have been mediocre.
Questions will linger about the future of Ivanovic and who will take over Azpilicueta at left back.
With the amount of money Abramovich will surely give Conte, a left back is definitely in the cards. Look later on to see who the Tavern regulars deem to be the new Chelsea left back.
Centre Back: Kurt Zouma
Zouma was arguably Chelsea’s best defender before he went down with his horrendous knee injury. Assuming he will return to form next season, he will be the man to lead Chelsea in the back.
He has the pace to keep pace with the quickest forwards and the aerial ability to battle with any brute force oppositions throw at him.
There are two main questions about Zouma. The first one is how will the knee respond? Coming back from a major knee injury is never easy and all the local Chelsea fans are praying he will be back in form. The second question is who will partner up with the young Frenchman?
Centre Back: Leonardo Bonucci
Bonucci’s best form came under Conte and it would be smart for Conte to bring in this towering Italian centre back into the squad. He has the intelligence to play in the Premier League and will immediately have the respect of not only Conte but the rest of the Chelsea squad.
Since being at Juventus, the Italian has made over 35 appearances in all competitions each of his six seasons. He has proven to be reliable and not susceptible to injuries, something that Gary Cahill has struggled with. With Zouma being the focus of Chelsea’s defence, finding a suitable partner is vital and Bonucci could and should be that man.
Left Back: Ricardo Rodriguez
Rumours haven’t been circulating with Chelsea and Rodriguez, but the Tavern believes this would be a great piece of business for the west London club.
He’s regarded as one of the best left backs in the world and at the age of 23, he has plenty of time to further his development.
He won’t come cheap as left backs are concerned and with other needs in the squad, he may not be in the Chelsea kit next season.
However, his price will only go up the longer he stays and performs well at Wolfsburg. It might be the best time to purchase the Swiss international.
Defensive Midfield: Radja Nainggolan
The Belgian has developed a reputation of being a tough defensive midfielder for Roma.
He plays smartly out of the midfield and has helped Roma reassert themselves in Serie A. Conte will be quite familiar of Nainggolan’s performances when he featured for Cagliari and Roma.
With Nemanja Matic’s performances deteriorating, a fresh face would be welcomed. Nainggolan and Matic are similar players with their style and ability to pick up crucial goals.
There are one advantage Nainggolan has over Matic: Nainggolan has been seen by Conte numerous times. Let’s see if this is the deciding factor for Nainggolan will make the switch.
Defensive Midfield: Paul Pogba
This midfielder would make every Chelsea fan head straight for the pub and have a celebratory pint.
The locals at the Tavern think this move could really happen with Pogba really shining under Conte.
With Pogba showing the world what he’s capable of, there isn’t anyone stopping him from proving English football that Manchester United were foolish not to give him more of a chance.
The partnership of Pogba and Nainggolan would complement each other nicely.
While Nainggolan doesn’t mind staying more defensive as a traditional number 6, Pogba loves to attack and make long distant attempts at goal. He also has the knack to get himself in the penalty area and finish coolly in there.
Left Attacking Midfield: Eden Hazard
No matter of how awful of a season Hazard has had, he still has the potential to be great.
Chelsea fans around the world will hope this season was just a one off and he will return to form next season.
With more help around him and players playing up to their potential, less pressure will be on Hazard to score every game.
Conte will want to give Hazard more time to rediscover his form before selling him off to another big club.
With the Belgian international is at his best, only a few players are better than him. He has the ability to cut inside and score an absolute stunner in any given match.
Centre Attacking Midfield: Miralem Pjanic
Another footballer who rose to stardom in Italy, Pjanic has the playmaking ability to make everyone around him better. The regulars at the Tavern have seen his ability from Roma shine and he could do wonders for Chelsea.
Oscar has been extremely disappointing the past 18 months and with rumours of him leaving for Juventus, this could be the ideal replacement.
Pjanic and Nainggolan have established great chemistry at Roma and it would be wise of Conte to bring in both of them to the club.
Pjanic has the vision to pick out any pass he desires, something Chelsea lacked mightily this season.
He has also scored 29 goals in all competitions for Roma in his five seasons.
He may not be the most prolific centre attacking midfielder, but he picks up numerous assists and provides creativity.
Right Attacking Midfield: Willian
Chelsea’s arguably best player and his form will only continue for Chelsea.
When Chelsea have been looking for a crucial goal, Willian has been the one providing them.
He has great free kick abilities, whether he’s looking towards goal or delivering a dangerous ball for his teammates.
He has the pace to play on the outside and will be a valuable asset for Conte.
The locals at the Tavern have been critical of Chelsea’s season throughout the year, but one player never been criticized has been Willian. He has the work rate to make any manager pleased. He looks to be safe at this position of the field.
Striker: Edinson Cavani
Diego Costa looks to be on his way out the door and Cavani wants to find a new home.
This transfer makes sense for both parties. Ever since his move to Paris, Cavani has been frustrated playing out of position.
With a transfer to Chelsea, Cavani could play back in his natural position and do wonders for the club.
Cavani will not cause any headaches for the club and his performances will speak for themselves.
He can hold the ball well for his support to arrive and runt the channels to stretch out the defenders.
With Pjanic, Pogba, and Nainggolan in the midfield, Cavani will get the necessary support to score loads of goals.
