This is the final part of a three-part series. You can read part one here, and part two here.
In part one we looked at Chelsea’s goalkeeper options, as well as their somewhat complicated left-back situation. In part two was the rest of the Blues’ backline as well as well as their defensive midfield. Here, we will look at Chelsea’s central midfield as well as their attacking line.
Enzo Fernández
In central midfield is world champion Enzo Fernández. The Argentinian was played in an unnatural position in the early parts of the season. He was often played as an attacking midfielder which proved to be ineffective each time, but took a while to change. When Enzo was later deployed deeper into the midfield, he started to show his true potential, with his partnership with Moises Caicedo looking strong.
However, Enzo picked up a groin injury which he played with for a large part of the second season under pain medication. This affected his play. Eventually, the midfielder decided to get surgery which kept him out for the final stint of the season.
Conor Gallagher
Chelsea’s homegrown talent Conor Gallagher thrived under the chaos of Pochettino’s football. As a player who is meant for a team that presses intensively, he came alive under the system. Gallagher is keen on staying at his boyhood club, however, just like Chalobah, the club seem keen on selling him this summer.
Lesley Ugochukwu
Frenchman Lesley Ugochukwu is yet to make an impression in Blue. He rarely made it to the starting lineup in the first half of the season, often coming on as a substitute. Ugochukwu was also unable to make much of an impression as he picked up a hamstring injury in December which kept him out for most of the season.
Cesare Casadei
Cesare Casadei returned to Chelsea halfway into the season after an unsuccessful loan spell at Leicester City. Just like Ugochukwu, the young Italian is yet to make enough of an impression to earn a spot in the starting XI.
Carney Chuckwuemeka
In attacking midfield is another injury-prone player. Carney Chukwuekema. Chukweumeka has been incredible for Chelsea whenever he has been fit enough to play. It is hoped that he will be fully fit to play regularly in the upcoming season, as the Brit is exciting to watch in the number 10 position. Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer serve as attacking midfielders occasionally too.
Potential signings
Chelsea are reportedly close to signing central midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City and Omari Kellyman from Aston Viilla to beef up their midfield.
🔵 Enzo Maresca has also approved the decision to proceed with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hill for Chelsea.
Already yesterday night, #CFC manager spent good words for KDH as ideal option for the midfield.
Negotiations ongoing between Chelsea and Leicester City, deal depends on the clubs. pic.twitter.com/vLjUQemjvY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2024
Forwards
Raheem Sterling and Mykhalio Mudryk
Raheem Sterling and Mykhalio Mudryk have been sharing the role of left winger. However, both have not been at the level expected of them. Sterling who is a Manchester City legend is yet to be a star at Chelsea. Whilst he has enjoyed some incredible moments and games at the London side, he has had far too many disappointing ones.
Mudryk, on the other hand, is young and still finding his way into first-team football. He is a player that looks to have so much potential, but patience is running thin for him to unlock it.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke is another right winger for Chelsea. The young Brit has had several great performances and shows great potential. There have been doubts over his future at Chelsea though, with Chelsea in the market for another right winger. Another right winger could be a problem for Madueke, as he already shares this position with Cole Palmer occasionally.
Cole Palmer
When Cole Palmer is not leading the midfield as the number 10, he is on the right wing. He was Chelsea’s best player all season long, having joined from Manchester City for a £40 million fee. Palmer had the most goal contributions in the Premier League this season past.
His incredible consistency and talent earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award. For his marvellous display during Chelsea’s electric 4-3 win against Manchester United, he won the Premier League Game Changer award.
Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku plays as a number 10, a left winger and a second striker for Chelsea. His signing was highly anticipated, but his debut was delayed due to an injury he picked up in Chelsea’s pre-season campaign. He eventually made his debut in mid-December, already scoring goals. Unfortunately, though, the Frenchman returned to Chelsea’s rehabilitation centre in early March, keeping him out until early May. He is expected to be a great player for Chelsea, with his few performances a testament to that.
Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson is Chelsea’s main striker. The Senegalese has been majorly criticised for his performances. However, he scored 14 Premier League goals, 7 more than Kai Havertz did for Chelsea in the season prior. Although not as clinical in front of goal, one thing’s for sure, Chelsea have upgraded in the striker department.
Jackson has been faultless in build-ups, with finishing the only thing he needs to improve on. He does have the potential to be an effective well-rounded striker. Deivid Washington is his understudy, but the Brazilian is not yet good enough to compete for the starting spot.
Potential signings
Chelsea is looking for a striker this summer. Marc Guiu has already allegedly signed from Barcelona. Chelsea has also been linked to Jonathan David and Spain’s Nico Williams, although nothing concrete from those connections as of yet.