A team to be feared? Chelsea

Disappointment. One word that sums up Chelsea's season. Even though Chelsea brought in the highly coveted Eden Hazard for £35 million, the young and highly talented Oscar for £25 million, assured right back in Azplucieta for £5 million and a proven goal scorer in Demba Ba for £7 million, (in January) Chelsea were still unable to perform according to how much money was thrown at players. Di Matteo was unjustly sacked after having a commendable managerial career at Chelsea after winning the double last year (Champions League + FA Cup) and the fans outrage seeing him replaced by former arch nemesis, Rafa Benitez, has been plain to see.

My Starting XI for 2013-2014 (with current squad)
Subs: Turnbull, Bertrand, Azplucieta, Ramires, Moses, Mikel, Torres

Fear Factor: 7/10

However, when looking on their team on paper, they have a very good side. Petr Cech is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and a solid defence of consisting of Ashley Cole, (who is the best left back in the world) David Luiz, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azplucieta form a strong back line. Mikel plays a defensive role in front of the back four, allowing the likes of Ramires and Lampard to storm forward from midfield. The attacking trio of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard (the 3 amigos) form one of the best attacking midfield trios in world football, who provide the attacking support for either Fernando Torres or Demba Ba up front. So they have a host of International midfielders across the pitch, but unfortunately they have not consistently performed and thus have missed out on all fronts (excluding the Europa League) this season.

But, what we have learnt about Abramovich, is that he is not afraid to spend big and change things up in order to get what he wants: success. He's going to need to do just that again this summer, as their performances have not warranted that of a title challenging team. Rafa Benitez's stint as Interim manager is set to expire in the summer, to the delight of the vast majority of Chelsea fans, and with that come an expectancy of one of the best managers in the world. Jose Mourinho anyone? The Portuguese Chelsea legend has expressed his desire to be re-united with Chelsea and win what he couldn't during his first stint: the Champions League. Reportedly unhappy in Madrid, he could potentially move back to West London in the summer and be reunited with his beloved Chelsea, and if they are then I wouldn't be surprised if Chelsea re-live their glory days that they did back in 2006-2007.

But whoever is installed as manager will have work to do. Chelsea's team is by no means perfect and playing staff will undoubtedly need to be brought in. The first problematic position is centre back. Terry is not getting younger, Cahill is always injured, and Luiz and Ivanovic both suffer from extreme lapses of concentration. This will need to be resolved and consequently Chelsea has been linked with Dede from Santos, and he could be the perfect person to regain some stability in the Chelsea defence. Another position that needs strengthening is defensive midfield. Mikel, to be frank is awful. He provides nothing to the team. He's slow, plays with no intensity, can't tackle and without doubt can't attack. He hasn't even scored in a Chelsea shirt since his arrival in 2007, a statistic that epitomises his quality. Luckily, I believe Chelsea have a ready-made replacement in David Luiz. He has proved his love to drive forward into midfield, meaning a centre back role is potentially not suited to him and instead a defensive role in front of the back four may be perfect for him. He's quick, loves a tackle, has an abundance of energy and has proven his technical capabilities. Basically, he's the complete opposite of Mikel, meaning he would be a much better option.



My starting XI for 2013-2014 (with possible squad)
Subs: Turnbull, Cahill, Bertrand, Ramires, Moses, Ba, Torres

Potential Fear Factor: 9/10

But the biggest expectation that Chelsea fans have, is to boost their attacking threat. Although they have played attractive, passing football this year, pace is needed in attack to go alongside Hazard and Moses. Step forward Andre Schurrle. The German international has been frequently linked with Chelsea over the past few seasons, and a deal is reportedly in place to take him to Stamford Bridge. He's young and evidently talented, and he could bring an extra dimension to Chelsea's attack if he joins. A forward is also needed at Chelsea. Falcao is needed. It's the sort of transfer Abramovich loves, he loves to defy the odds and bring in the best players he can, regardless of the money. It may take £50-£70 million, but Abramovich will do whatever it takes. You may consider it unrealistic, but it can be achieved. Mario Gomez fromBayern Munich has also been linked, and he will also provide a good alternative with his prowess in front of goal, but he does not compare to Falcao. Very few do.

Chelsea have spent big in the last 9 years, bringing in massive signings with Hernan Crespo, Andriy Shevchenko, Fernando Torres and Eden Hazard amongst others coming in for substantial fees.  So potential for more this summer? I think so. Apparently when Abramovich met for rumoured talks with Mourinho, Falcao was high on his wish list. If these two join Chelsea in the summer amongst a few other big money signings, then Chelsea could be the team to beat next season, both domestically and in Europe. Watch this space.