The main star of Chelsea last season, apart from Azar and Fabregas, was the former defender of Moscow Lokomotiv, Serb Branislav Ivanovic.
This footballer not only burned to the ground the entire right flank of the defense, but in general the entire curb, being an indispensable support for the attacking line. And how many important goals he scored after corner kicks is incomprehensible to the mind. At a certain point in the championship season, Ivanovich scored more often than Rooney.
But Jose Mourinho is known for his love of squeezing the maximum out of players. This time he overdid it, having thrown an incapacitated team with a destroyed ridge, which is the defense, for this year. Only Cesar Azpilicueta does not raise any questions from it, but it’s time for everyone else to leave.
1. Branislav Ivanovic, right flank. Became one of the club's worst players this season, causing many stupid goals against the aristocrats. Age and fatigue took their toll: now the Serb is not only unable to effectively and safely connect to attacks, but also effectively work out in his direct football career - in defense. So far, there is no adequate change for him - unless the already mentioned and praised Azpilicueta, but then in his place on the left you will have to put Abdul Rahman Baba, the purchase of which still no one understood.
2. Gary Cahill, center zone. When he was discharged 6 years ago from Bolton, then still playing in the Premier League, he was a strong and reliable defender who regularly saved an outsider from crushing defeats. After the transition, of course, he could not immediately stake out a place for himself in the base, but he was constantly on the substitution. Now he is 30, he is a start player for both the club and the national team, but this is due only to the lack of worthy candidates. Cahill became slow and clumsy, but he could not become the leader and receiver of the captain's armband.
3. John Terry, central zone. The last club legend after the departure of Lampard, Drogba and Cech will also leave the team soon, because Abramovich has not offered John a new contract. Although it is immoral, it is logical from the point of view of practice. The captain has long ceased to match the level of at least a good defencist, although he retained all his inherent leadership charisma. If he wants to play and benefit his beloved Chelsea, the way out is obvious, albeit sad.
The club has already bought a kid from America, whom no one can name, and is ready to dump bags of money for John Stones. Will they be able to become the new stronghold of the Blues' defense, once the strongest in England?
