Could this be the Chelsea team for next season?

02 July 2013 12:18

The reappointment of Jose Mourinho will have the top teams in the Premier League and Europe looking over their shoulders.

We all know Mourinho has a huge transfer budget, courtesy of Abramovic, and has already splashed out £18million on German youngster Andre Schurrle.

So what's next for The Special One?

He's made no secret about his desire to capture the services of Napoli forward Edinson Cavani, after his prime target Radamel Falcao secured a £50million move to money-bags Monaco.

His eyes are now fixed on Cavani, and according to The Daily Mail, a fresh bid of £42.7million has been made.

So, it seems that Mourinho remains reluctant to meet Uruguayan's £53.7million buy-out clause.

Anyway, with all the transfer saga aside, if Mourinho gets his men, here's what the team may look like next season.

Now, I know not everybody will agree with formation, choice of players etc. but i'll try my best to explain why I think this team could be become champions of England and possibly Europe.

The Formation

You could call it a 4-1-2-2-1, but I prefer the simple 4-5-1, which, in my opinion, would be the perfect formation for this Chelsea team.

The Blues are well known for their solid defensive displays, but at times can look a little open. With David Luiz in front of an experienced John Terry and a pacey Varane, attackers are sure to have their work cut out for them here.

The 'lone striker' role is scrutinised a lot in football. I understand that a partnership may be better to watch and increases the chances of goals, but if the striker has the strength and the pace, with a good eye for goal, then he should have no problem. Didier Drogba handled it, and I think Cavani can too.

With Hazard and Mata either side providing crosses, and Lampard and Oscar steam rolling through the centre of midfield, Cavani's aerial ability will come to excellent use.

Cemented Positions

Clearly first choice keeper Petr Cech will stay put, he's had a consistently solid career between the posts for The Blues.

He may not be as reliable as when he first arrived at Stamford Bridge, but for a big guy - his athleticism, agility and not to mention his shot-stopping talents are still at a very high standard, which, in my book, makes him one of the best in the world.

No surprises with the likes of Ashley Cole, John Terry and Frank Lampard. Their experience will benefit the youngsters around them massively, helping them transform in to big game players.

Azpilicueta over Ivanovic

One of the problems that Rafael Benitez faced last season was who to choose: Azpilicueta or Ivanovic?

At 29-years-old, Ivanovic isn't finished at this level just yet, but perhaps as a right-back.

A few lazy passes and defensive brain freezes, as shown in the 2-0 home loss against Swansea City in the Capital Cup semifinals, will give Mourinho a tough decision to make.

But, have no fear Ivanovic fans. He's a versatile player and can, as shown last season, play comfortably at centre back.

Azpilicueta has filled in very well. If it wasn't for the dazzling displays of Eden Hazard, I think Azpilicueta, or 'Dave' as his colleagues call him, would have had more attention from the media and fans.

His adept passing and inspirational work rate has put the Spaniard on the world football map.

Raphael Varane

Having worked with Varane at Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho obviously feels as though the 20-year-old has what it takes to establish himself as a Premier League centre-back.

Rumours have been floating around over David Luiz's future, Varane acting as a possible replacement, but I don't see Mourinho sanctioning a transfer after his impressive displays at the Confederations Cup.

The Bench

Leaving out players like Ramires, Ivanovic, Cahill and new signing Schurrle was a tough decision.

But having them on the bench is very encouraging for the team.

All four of these players are incredibly versatile so can fill in at almost any position on the pitch.

Some fans would want to see Schurrle starting, but if he can come on in the last 20-30 minutes and cause chaos, then he'll be earning the right to be in Jose's starting 11.

Remember this is a fantasy team, so it's purely based on transfer gossip and a little bit of how I'd want to watch Chelsea.

Picking it has given me a headache, good luck Jose!

Source: DSG