Do we still lack strength in depth?

[enigma]

Last season we struggled due to lack of strikers and a real playmaker; this season we have those things, but it still feels like we're no better off than last season tbh. We have already seen how a few injuries and/or suspensions limit us in key areas.

I look at our bench and it's pathetic to be honest; there isn't one single outfield player who is class and whom can step in and make a difference to our team.

Mikel is pish; salah isn't much better; ake is young and inexperienced; willian/schurrle aren't top quality but decent enough to do a good job; cech is world class but he's a gk.

I just worry that the longer the season goes on, we'll start picking up suspensions and injuries to key first teamers and we have nobody to step in who is competent enough.

Do you agree, and which areas do you feel we should add to?

 

[RFC_CFC]

No, players like Schurrle, Salah, Mikel ect are just not performing at the minute so they look weak/poor.

We have great options all over the park.

Keepers - Courtios, Cech, Shwartz

Right back - Dave, Ivan

Left back - Luis, Dave

Centre backs - Terry, Cahill, Zouma (Ivan too)

Left mid - Willian, Salah

Right mid - Hazard, Schurrle

Centre mid - Cesc, Matic, Mikel, Ake

Atacking mid - Oscar, Ramires

Strikers - Costa, Remy , Drogba

Most of our attacking mids can rotate to wide on either side or through the middle so we have loads of options.

This is the strongest squad we have had in years.

 

[Uno]

 

[ForeverCarefree]

I'd say the squad looks a similar strength to our previous title winning sides. 

 

[enigma]

I think that's the problem, we have players who have the potential to world class, but they're so awfully inconsistent that their abilities rarely shine through.

 

[RFC_CFC]

I think that's the problem, we have players who have the potential to world class, but they're so awfully inconsistent that their abilities rarely shine through.

Yeah there are plenty who have not reached their potential and others who seems to be either amazing or very poor...no middle ground.

If our main players like Cahill, Terry, Hazard, Matic, Cesc and Costa can stay fit and play the majority of our games we will be fine.

Schurrle, Salah and the likes need to improve but I'm sure they will.

 

[RichardCFC]

Our fringe players, Schurrle, Salah, Mikel, Drogba (in my opinion), haven't been great this season so our depth looks worse than it is, they will improve. 

Our bench definitely isn't "pathetic" though.

 

[Bobbywoodhogan]

Realky don't think Drogba belongs in that list opinion or not. He's an ageing third choice striker that has done well when he's played.

 

[timetowaste]

Pathetic bench? Piss off, idiot.

 

[Gem]

We've got some bloody good academy lads who are making/close to making the bench, if we give them a chance and stop playing first teamers out of position and give the youngsters a chance - our 'depth' will be better.

 

[CFCBlue12]

Sort our right wing then we have a f**king threatening squad for both CL and Premier League.

 

[ForeverCarefree]

Sort our right wing then we have a f**king threatening squad for both CL and Premier League.

Brazilian and German (world cup winning) internationals.... Not many teams boast of that, I think we're fine in attacking midfield personally. 

 

[Sloth]

Defence we are a little thin I guess but it's not like they are completely injury prone, however we always miss Terry when he is out, lets hope he has a full season.

As for midfield I do think so, Fabregas has a poor fitness record and I don't trust anyone to play there if he doesn't if it's for like quite a few games, Ramires was really bad there last season, did not have an impact of getting the ball forward at all. Last season was easily his worst season in a Chelsea shirt and Mikel, he has struggled with being consistent in the past why should we have any faith he would pull out performances.

No I do believe if we had Fabregas or Matic injured for a month or 2 we would definitely drop points, that's my only worrying concern about depth, besides that I think we are fine especially in attack.

 

[mad_mac]

I get where you're coming from, but I wouldn't be as strong as calling our bench pathetic.

As Gem has also stated, some of the academy players we have are fantastic too, and can add just as much depth as the likes of say Salah can.

 

[CFCBlue12]

Brazilian and German (world cup winning) internationals.... Not many teams boast of that, I think we're fine in attacking midfield personally. 

But the german WC winning player is looking shadow of him self. Yeah we're alright but I think if we get an upgrade it'll allow Hazard to play more freely. Our right wing contributes way less and allows defenders to man mark Hazard easily.

And about Willian "no comment".

 

[ForeverCarefree]

But the german WC winning player is looking shadow of him self. Yeah we're alright but I think if we get an upgrade it'll allow Hazard to play more freely. Our right wing contributes way less and allows defenders to man mark Hazard easily.

And about Willian "no comment".

So realistically who do you propose Chelsea could buy to improve the right wing that would be a substantial upgrade on Schurrle and Willian?

There aren't many truly world class right wingers as it is let alone ones that are available.

 

[CFCBlue12]

Yeah I agree... we can only hope that either of two improves.... because that's the position I think is our weakness. But there are no sings of it tho as of now..

The only player I want is Marco Reus. I know he's Bayern bound but I think we can try a shot and I think he's loyal to BVB so he won't join them easily. We can afford his wages easily since we have cleared hefty from Lamps, Coles, Torres's and Mourinho can lure him here.

P.S Ignore my pathetic English, I'm in no mood to write... lol.

 

[Veeria]

Strongest squad we've had since the double winning side. Can't understand how our bench is pathetic when Its a lot stronger than the last 2 or 3 years. The defence looks the lightest but there are a lot of ways the shake things up back there if the worst should happen.