GOALKEEPERS
Petr Cech: Chelsea's undisputed number one goalkeeper and he showed time and again this season that the team is blessed with a top notch man between the sticks. The Carroll save was a thing of world class talent and that penalty shootout against Bayern under immense pressure justifies that belief. Thibaut Courtois will just have to wait I suppose; we can consider ourself lucky to have the luxury of not one but two great keepers, note both simultaneous European champions.
Hilario: He's been here for years and I've never really understood how he's managed to stay for so long. He's clearly not the best back up; the best memory I have of him is him saving Danny Webber's penalty (yes it was a weak one) way back when Sheffield United were still a Premiership team. Oh and we've given him a one-year extension.
Ross Turnbull: That horrible back pass to Jonjo Shelvey in the loss to Liverpool pretty much sums up our third choice keeper. He isn't going to be lighting up the league any time soon.
Final Verdict: Chelsea's pretty much set as far as goalkeepers go - in Cech and Courtois we have two of the best in the world. Courtois should spend another season out on loan at Atletico and I do hope that we promote the beast that is Jamal Blackman to our first team; I'm sure he'll do a better job than both Hilario and Turnbull considering they've really done nothing.
DEFENDERS
Jose Bosingwa: Oh Jose. You were brilliant when you first joined, that first season was majestic but then your knee injuries took their toll and your best performances this season came in emergency center back duties. Maybe thats why they're releasing you. But nonetheless thank you for your years of service and you leave a European champion. (As I write rumors of Juventus having handed a 100k per week salary to him are gathering steam). Good luck Jose.
Branislav Ivanovic: He'll be remembered this season for that winner against Napoli. Even otherwise, he was a solid at the back and a good outlet coming forward. He's not the best defensively at the full back position given his lack of speed and while attacking his poor dribbling skills and inconsistent crossing, though not as bad as Bosingwa's, are a cause for concern. He's perfectly good as a fourth choice center back and backup right back but I believe Chelsea must sign a new right back for the coming season. I'll bring up potential targets and analysis in the coming days.
Paulo Ferreira: He played maybe 400 minutes the entire year and its very clear he's not cut out for this level. He's lost much of his pace and stamina; his positioning is as bad as Bosingwa's and I think he can stay at Chelsea so that he can retire a Blue most probably next year. Till then he can be a most esteemed mascot for the club.
John Terry: He's always been the first name on the team sheet but this season has shown that he is human. Persistent niggles hampered him throughout the year and costly errors like his slip against Arsenal and his plain stupid knee-butting of Alexis Sanchez have decreased his standing. He still stands for Chelsea and is a legendary leader; to play with to broken ribs is superhuman but with a rapidly improving Gary Cahill and my personal favorite David Luiz also developing very well, we could see less of Terry as the next season progresses.
Gary Cahill: He was Chelsea's January signing from Bolton and at 8 mil looks a steal. He's rapidly becoming one of our top center backs and in the Terry mold albeit a pacier version. His positioning and aerial ability are top notch and his reading of the game has improved now that he's surrounded by better players than was the case at Bolton. He had quite a few last-ditch tackles and his ability to time his tackles is very good as is his composure. He quickly adapted to European football and the game against Bayern, even though he as only half fit was one of the best I've seen so far from him in a Blue shirt. He can only go higher next season.
David Luiz: He started the season erratically leading to Gary Neville's now infamous 'Playstation controlled' jibes. Under AVB's high line he was constantly caught out and his poor concentration let him down often as he switched off at crucial times (Chicharito's equalizer at the Bridge 3-3). But after Di Matteo's ascension he got much better and I do believe we're a much better team with the mop-haired marauding Brazilian charging out of the blocks to lend the team some much needed energy though his long balls could use some work, even more so considering it will be Torres and not Drogba who will be the target. His tendency to try to get ahead of the attacker and nip the ball often gets him into trouble if the attacker turns him and Luiz should work on this to perfect the art. Luiz has the potential to be one of the best center backs in the world, think of an attacking Thiago Silva, its just a matter of him having to work to get there.
Ashley Cole: He never gets the credit he deserves due to his off field problems. Ashley Cole is by far the best left back at Chelsea and for that matter the world. His reading of the game, awareness and tackling are peerless and he like Terry always puts his body on the line. He'll be the first to admit that this season was not his best; he was also a victim of AVB's high line - Mata, the player in front of him offered very little defensively and so his workload increased and performances declined - but the latter half of the season he was brilliant. His goal line clearances this season against Napoli and Barcelona were season defining and for me left back should not be a problem next season.
Ryan Bertrand: He was one of the most impressive young players on show last season and could be a sign of what is to come from Chelsea's academy. Bertrand showed great composure and maturity on the field none more so than his Champions League debut against Bayern. His tackling technique and defensive awareness are well developed but his marking may need some polishing but that should happen in time, he's only 22. His attacking play is strong and he's a good crosser and should only get better as he goes along - so Chelsea's left side of defense is in good hands for quite a while now.
Sam Hutchinson: The feel good story of the year, the 22 year-old came out forced retirement due to a knee condition to play again and added some cover to that Chelsea back line. I, however can't see him continuing his playing days at Chelsea due to the talent stocked in front of him and talented youngsters like Chalobah coming from the Academy. He should be able to star at a League 1 or Championship club but he will always remain a heartwarming tale of courage.
Final Verdict: The Chelsea defense was unusually leaky last year conceding much more than usual but that was in part due to the AVB reign and under Di Matteo the defense was far more compact and stingy. In terms of personnel, Bosingwa is the only player leaving on a free transfer and this will necessitate a move to acquire a new right back. There are many right backs available this season so that shouldn't be a problem. Other than that, no strengthening of personnel in the other departments is required as the first team and Academy have more than enough players to provide cover for the defense this coming season.
MIDFIELDERS
Michael Essien: He's far removed from the midfield destroyer he was in the Mourinho era. Serious knee injuries have derailed his progression and the Ghanian is a pale shadow of his former self. This year he looked rusty throughout and seemed to have lost a fair bit of pace. Even his long shots seemed to lack the venom and precision of the old Essien. While he's certainly good enough as a squad player, with Romeu and even Mikel improving quickly, he could find his first team opportunities limited during the next season.
Oriol Romeu: Brought in from Barcelona in the summer, Romeu showed flashes of the La Masia education, displaying great passing and ball retention even with players all around him. I believe him to be the best pure tackler on this squad and was surprised that after December both AVB and Di Matteo chose not to play him. He still has work to do on his passing range and vision but as a holding player, I think he's the best prospect Chelsea has had since Makelele. I hope to see more first team opportunities for him in the next season.
John Obi Mikel: It's hard to believe he's only 25, he's been at the club for so long. He was largely frozen out during the AVB reign but returned to significance during Di Matteo's time in charge. He played almost every game on the right side of the double pivot in the 4-2-3-1. Yet, I fail to understand how he managed to start consistently. He's on the slower side and is often beaten for pace when marking someone. His tackling is sound but he takes almost three to four touches when one would suffice before passing and his range tends to be either horizontal or backward. It was only for a period under the AVB time when his passing range inverted and almost 70% of his passes were forward and penetrating before he again reverted to his short passing style in the second half of the season. He remains a good squad player but I would rather see Romeu or even Ramires start in lieu of him.
Frank Lampard: Top scorer with 16 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, he was the poster boy of AVB's dismissal. Many in the media believe it was his falling out with AVB that led to the latter's firing. In spite of that, on the pitch Lamps was extremely good. He popped up with winners against Wolves, Sunderland (that was actually all Torres), Man City; and key passes to Ramires (both legs against Barcelona). He moved into the double pivot once Mata started centrally and though it curtailed his natural forays forward, Lampard was very good in the role. His work rate was very good, he harried midfielders and quickly released the ball to forward players. I can see a long term future for Lampard in the double pivot role as he gets older and his attributes are quite suited to it. Next season he will begin his chase to be Chelsea's all time leading goalscorer, currently at 186 goals, he trails Kerry Dixon (193) and Bobby Tambling (202).
Ramires: Voted the Players' Player of the Year, Ramires was phenomenal this season. After a very difficult first season which led people to believe he was not suited to the English game, Ramires had a breakout campaign. His tireless running and fiery acceleration galvanized the Chelsea midfield and he was the perfect box-to-box midfielder. Defensively very sound with great tackling (75% accuracy) and marking ability, however, it was his attacking play that 'Rambo' really won the plaudits for. At one point in December he was Europe's top dribbler. Not because of his fancy footwork; a dribble is when a player gets past an opposing player; and Ramires with sudden bursts in acceleration got past many defenders. His first touch must improve next season and his passing and vision are also a work in progress. But that Brazilian was beautiful this season, none more so than here:
Florent Malouda: Wretched season. He seemed uninterested and devoid of any ideas. He kept aimlessly running with the ball and often into cul-de-sacs. His crossing and dribbling have taken a hit and though his screamer a couple days ago against Serbia was classy, he is not Chelsea material any more. He only played because Chelsea lacked depth in the left midfield department and Chelsea must sell him this summer and not offer him the new contract thats reportedly been offered.
Salomon Kalou: He will be leaving after scoring 60 goals in 244 appearances. Hardly played under AVB and was a sure starter under Di Matteo. He coupled the brilliant with the hair-tearing and was highly inconsistent in the final third. Defensively better than Mata, he gave it all he had when he played. Goals against Benfica and Genk in the Champions League showed he still had some skill. He never complained about the playing time or rifts or any issues and was a thorough professional on and off the field. I can't say I'm sad to see him leave but at the same time it is for his best. He was an impact substitute for Chelsea and his playing time would have reduced considerably next season. His wages were also high at around 80,000 and with FFP compliance coming into play, reducing the wage bill is a good way to start. Good luck Salomon, you will be missed.
Juan Mata: Signing of the year and Player of the Year, Chelsea would have had a horrible season if it weren't for the bearded Spanish wizard. He led the EPL in chances created according to Opta Stats and would have added to his 23 assists in all competitions if it weren't for some poor Chelsea finishing. Mata's passing, vision and set pieces are unrivaled on this squad (make that were; we now possess a certain Eden Hazard) and his finishing and final balls tend to be very good. He has a habit of getting called offside often and also must work on his penalty taking; his penalty conversion rate was abysmal by his standards. Mata ran out of steam towards the end of the season and this will necessitate stamina and strength training as many a time he was pushed off the ball or outmuscled. Remember that bully Yaya Toure?
Since he's not the paciest player, Mata is suited to the central role behind the striker from where he'll be able to play Torres in and with Hazard now joining on the left side, the pressure of creating should be lessened on Mata and we could see virtuoso performances from him next season. Add Hulk to that midfield three and I'm salivating right now.
Final Verdict: The midfield this year was not constant; it kept changing due to injuries and suspensions. Mata was often played out of position, shunted out to the left where his abilities were reduced and this affected our chance creation. Chelsea had the third highest number of total passes completed last season at a clip of 81.77% and the midfield played a major role in that. Yet the total chances created dropped from the previous year and an influx of creativity will be required to step up a level. As far as personel are concerned, no one is leaving but I do hope that deadwood like Malouda and Meireles are sold and in the event of intriguing offers coming in for Essien or Mikel, we should consider them. The club has already made moves to acquire Eden Hazard (WOOT!) and Marko Marin to address the creativity concerns and a deal for Hulk seems set to be announced soon. So the only other addition would be a central midfielder such as Moussa Dembele, who can defend and attack, sitting in the double pivot.
STRIKERS/FORWARDS
Daniel Sturridge: Started off the season with a bang and was our player of the first half of the season. His performances dropped off dramatically in the second half of the season, culminating in being dropped from the England squad for the Euros. He started off with an exquisite back-heel against Sunderland and continued to drive the team forward. He plays best on the right wing, contrary to his own belief that he is a center forward capable of leading the line. He has many things to improve on next season. Firstly, his selfishness. I get it that strikers are poachers and selfish but Danny's at a different level. He just won't pass even if it will result in a clear cut chance and when he does pass it's in the wrong area. Against Arsenal in the 5-3 defeat, there were at least three points in the first seven minutes wherein he could have played Torres in with a great chance but he didn't and the rest is known. We lost. Secondly he must maximize his pace and dribbling, too often he plays at a pedestrian pace; he must accelerate and increase his work rate. Thirdly, he has to work on his weaker right foot and be able to use both feet.
There has been talk of Sturridge being sold, since his contract has only a year left to run, but I do hope that he stays; he's a special, albeit infuriating player, and has much to offer to Chelsea.
Romelu Lukaku: Waste of a season really for the 18 million Belgian. He hardly played and couldn't be sent out on loan because of rules that state a player cannot play for more than two clubs in a given year (in his case Anderlecht and Chelsea). Hopefully next season is much brighter for 'Little Drogba' and if his performance against Blackburn is anything to go by, he is the real deal.
Fernando Torres: Disappointing season to be honest. He hasn't been as bad as advertised but for 50 million I suppose you would want more. 9 goals and 11 assists in 41 appearances was not up to his standards though his play in the final third of the season could indicate he's turned the corner and is back to his silky best. Chelsea's style of play did not suit Torres who needs to be played in; he's not a striker who plays with his back to the goal in a direct style. Even then, lack of confidence and taking up very poor positions played a major role in his failings this season; he preferred passing to someone else than taking up the shot; something that should be gone by the time next season starts. He ended the season looking much quicker and trickier and this should stand him in good stead next season where Chelsea have announced he will be their main striker.
Didier Drogba: He leaves a Chelsea legend. His last kick for Chelsea was his legacy to the club.
He even gave the other team a sporting chance - giving both Messi and Robben chances to be the hero - they failed in their penalties - and the Drogba took center stage.
His league form was woeful to say the least, lethargic and slow, but all's forgiven when you see above.
Thank you Didier for everything. You were spoilt, loved acting and had your moods but you gave it all for Chelsea when it mattered. You are perhaps the world's best pure center forward and boy oh boy were we lucky to have you. Arsenal must be delighted you're leaving.
Final Verdict: The strike force was largely underwhelming this year with the exception of certain moments from each one of them. Much improvement must be made for Chelsea to be able to compete with City and the rest next season but no new personnel are particularly needed. Torres must be given the chance to lead the line with the new Chelsea philosophy of attacking, aesthetically pleasing football and now that Drogba is gone, Chelsea cannot revert to the time tested Mourinho style of football. In Sturridge, Lukaku and probably Hulk we possess enough firepower and variation to not require another big name transfer and with Bamford, Prosenik and Feruz waiting in the wings, I do hope Abramovich decides to not sanction any more striker signings.
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