New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will begin his tenure at the club after the European Championships. Currently managing Italy, he will have the chance to look at any potential transfer targets for The Blues throughout the tournament.
One area he will almost certainly look to improve on is the defence. After conceding just 32 goals in the 2014/15 season under José Mourinho, Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions. The backbone of this title-winning team was a reliable and dependable back five (Thibaut Courtois included).
One area he will almost certainly look to improve on is the defence. After conceding just 32 goals in the 2014/15 season under José Mourinho, Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions. The backbone of this title-winning team was a reliable and dependable back five (Thibaut Courtois included).
John Terry had shown why he should still be considered one of the best centre-backs in the game, and his defensive partner Gary Cahill excelled under Terry’s influence and leadership. The full-backs; Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta, had established themselves as two of the finest in the Premier League, and Thibaut Courtois had an excellent first campaign in England’s top flight, keeping 12 league clean sheets.
Fast forward a year later, and that very same defence is almost unrecognisable. Chelsea conceded 53 goals in the Premier League, which coincided with a dismal 10th place finish. It was a season with very few positives to take for Chelsea fans.
Although their attack-minded players showed promising signs towards the end of the term, the defence continued to leak goals that would have been inconceivable just the previous season. There is no doubt that changes are needed if Conte wishes to enjoy a successful first season in English football, but what three defensive signings should the Italian bring to Stamford Bridge?
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