Fan names 7 players who should be ‘nailed-on starters’ for next season, excludes Silva and Kante

Chelsea’s squad is one of the best in the world but there is still a small gap between the Blues and the elite clubs in terms of the quality of the starting XI.

Fan @ExpectedChelsea named seven current players who should be starters for next season – here is his team:

He explains his reasoning and where Chelsea need to improve: “These are the only players who should be nailed-on starters next season. Formation might vary. Big summer ahead if we want to compete with the very best.

He explains his reasoning and where Chelsea need to improve: “These are the only players who should be nailed-on starters next season. Formation might vary. Big summer ahead if we want to compete with the very best.

Why no Silva and Kante

“Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante have both been excluded for the same reason – their age/fitness record.

“They’re both outstanding but it is not practical to expect them to play regularly. Leave sentiments aside.

Midfield situation

“Our midfield corps next season should be Kova, Kante, Gallagher and a new midfielder.

“In an ideal world we’d sign both Declan Rice and Tchouameni but thanks to our mistakes in previous windows that won’t be feasible.

Defense situation

“Our defensive situation is much more complex than people think. We’re losing Christensen, one of the world’s best back-3 defenders. The popular twitter replacement – Kounde – has been pretty underwhelming compared to last season IMHO. And comes with huge, huge limitations.

“From the little I’ve seen, Colwill seems capable of transitioning into a backup CB role here at best, although I could be wrong. In an ideal world, we’d do everything we can to renew Christensen and hope Chalobah continues his progression while blooding in Colwill.”

Silva has extended his Chelsea contract and will be a Blue next season. Kante’s deal expires in 2023 and he has definitely not been his best self this season, so that is something the Blues have to address.

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