Chelsea: The three players Chelsea need to buy now
Roman Abramovich has made every summer and winter pure torture for me as I know we have funds to buy players but we really never know who is on their way. As a Chelsea fan I am always looking for the biggest and brightest stars to arrive every transfer window, but with the financial regulations coming into place soon I want to see the money well spent.
At the moment it’s almost unanimously agreed Chelsea need a right-back, attacking-central midfielder and a striker. Here are a few options you may have never watched play, that could fulfill these roles for years to come.
Nathaniel Clyne • Crystal Palace • Nationality: English • Age: 21 • Position: RB, LB • Fee: €6 – 12M
At right-back I am shocked a young Nathaniel Clyne has not been approached by Chelsea already. He is born and raised in London and has all the attributes to be an incredible full-back. Physically he is very strong and quick with excellent balance with a low center of gravity. He attacks with power and intent and, in the mold of Ashley Cole, recovers quickly. Nathaniel does well enough in the air but his timing to win headers will only improve over time. He is lacking in positional knowledge and defensive instincts, but who better to mold him into an incredible defender than an Italian.
Marco Verratti • Pescara • Nationality: Italian • Age: 19 • Position: CM • Fee: €5-10M
In a central attacking role I see Marco as an ideal player to rotate into the team and learn for a year, then star the following year. In Italy he is considered the next Andrea Pirlo, with that I see him having similar attributes as Luka Modric. Verratti has an excellent range of passing without needing to lift the ball in the air, finding players feet. With the signings so far this pre-season we are not in dire need of creative players but Verratti is a player who can get the ball down and get it to the more dangerous players quickly and join the attack late. Whether he has the strength and tackling quality to thrive in the Premier League is a big question but he would not be as expensive as anyone else at his age and ability.
Lacina Traore • Kuban Krasnodar • Nationality: Ivorian • Age: 22 •Position: CF • Fee: €6-8M
Finally, up top, Lacina Traore is a great option. As tall as Peter Crouch and quicker than Fernando Torres, Traore could be a lethal threat in the Premier League. The Ivorian is still very rough but he looks good for a goal every time he steps on the pitch. Fitness could be an issue but something that can obviously be improved with hard work. For his size it is incredible he still plays like a total footballer. He can beat his man, hold the ball, provide service, two-footed, score from outside the box, and gets in the area. Traore needs to improve his movement off the ball as the step up to a much better league will be tougher to find space and improve his passing but he is a star in the making.
These three are all stars of the future, why not get them now before it becomes a real financial gamble to sign them later. All of these players could probably be purchased for less than €15M, which is a steal for players who will star for a title contender in any of the four major leagues in Europe.
Article by Brandon Stewart
Calling all Chelsea fans: Do you agree with Brandon? Would you like to see these three at Stamford Bridge? Do you think Di Matteo has his eye on any other youngster out there? Are you pleased to see Chelsea buying young players like Hazard or do you think they need some more fresh faced experienced guys in the squad? Whatever your views we'd love to hear from you.
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