Chelsea FC: Player by player – Who will stay? Who will go?
After Chelsea’s season came crashing down at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, many have called for a change of scene at ‘The Bridge’. It seems that this summer, Abramovich will be ringing the changes in an effort to rejuvenate his faltering squad. Here we’ll take a look at who may be on their way out and those who still have a place in the dressing room:
Goalkeepers:
Petr Cech: Arguably Chelsea’s best player this season, he has been the prominent feature in the meanest defence in the premier league. Hasn’t made one mistake all year and remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. SURE TO STAY
Ross Turnbull: Has had little to do, and has done little wrong, doesn’t seem interested in a move away from Stamford Bridge. SURE TO STAY
Hilario: Reaching the twilight of his career, may look to move back to Portugal in hope of more first team games. Chelsea will look to the youth to secure a replacement. REACHING THE END
Defenders:
John Terry: He may have reached 30, but Terry has enjoyed a good year this year as a defender, showing a return to form after a poor world cup. Lack of pace not a worry as he makes up for it with awareness. Has a huge influence as captain. SURE TO STAY
Branislav Ivanovic: At only 25 years old, the Serbian has made a name for himself at Chelsea and is now one of the first on the team sheet. Loved by the fans. SURE TO STAY
Ashley Cole: England’s best left back has played well again this year, and is showing no signs of relenting. SURE TO STAY
David Luiz: Looking like the better January signing, has taken Chelsea and the Premier League by storm. Scores goals and has Brazilian flair, as well as unforgettable hair. Cult hero with the fans. SURE TO STAY
Alex: He’s endured a season dogged by injuries but at 27 he still has time to get back in the first team, he’s a top defender and at times Chelsea have missed his presence. SURE TO STAY
Jose Bosingwa: Poor display against United signalled the end. Many would have preferred to see Ferreira play. Ajax full back Gregory Van Der Wiel is a likely replacement. OUT THE DOOR
Paulo Ferreira: Does a good job when called upon, but is coming to the end of a good spell in England, whether he seeks a move or is happy to remain a squad player will determine his position at Chelsea. REACHING THE END
Midfielders:
Frank Lampard: On the wrong side of 30, has never fully recovered from his hernia operation and is looking past his best. Nowhere near as good in terms of goals and creativity when compared to last year. May stick it out on the bench for another year or look elsewhere. Toni Kroos is being lined up as a replacement. REACHING THE END
Michael Essien: Hasn’t looked so strong and dominant this year, but at 28 he still has time to regain his form and show Chelsea what they have been missing. SURE TO STAY
John Mikel: Has been injured for a lot of the season, and has not progressed as people expected. Has been on the bench recently, with Ramires favoured ahead of him. A surprising bid for Chiek Tiote could be on the cards in the summer. OUT THE DOOR
Ramires: struggled early on, but has adapted well and has been Chelsea’s best midfielder in the second half of the season, works hard and has a touch of class. SURE TO STAY
Florent Malouda: Returned to the sort of form Chelsea fans saw in his first 12 months at the club, looks off the pace and lazy. Although a nice guy around the dressing room, it is time to move on. Eden Hazard a tricky attacking midfielder is being lined up to aid Torres. REACHING THE END
Yuri Zhirkov: Has impressed in few outings, consistent and happy to provide back up. SURE TO STAY
Josh Mceachran: Youngster played well in the first half of the season, with chances limited in the second half. Set for bright future at Chelsea. SURE TO STAY
Yossi Benayoun: Injured for most of the season, yet to show Chelsea what he can do. Signed last summer, he is sure to want to make a good impression next season. SURE TO STAY
Forwards:
Nicolas Anelka: Has been the top scorer this year, but is reaching the end of his career at the top, and is losing his pace. Abramovich wants him out. Exciting Brazilian youngster Neymar could be the replacement. REACHING THE END
Didier Drogba: Has been a fantastic and exciting servant to the club for 6 years and has lit up the Premiership. Still loved by Chelsea fans, but with the arrival of Torres his days are numbered and it is rumoured that he wants a return to Marseille. 17-year-old Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku is the replacement, similar in style to Drogba. OUT THE DOOR
Salomon Kalou: A bit-part player, but does well off the bench and still has many years ahead of him, likeable character. SURE TO STAY
Fernando Torres: No way he will be sold after 6 months, Roman wants a return on his investment. Chelsea prepared to be patient and re-build squad around him in the summer. SURE TO STAY
The defence looks set to remain the same, but expect big changes in midfield and up top as Roman wields his trusty axe.
