It has been a bad season for Chelsea as they are currently sitting in 9th place in the Premiership.
As soon as I opened the paper and saw that Gianluca Vialli had been sacked as manager of Chelsea I thought oh dear whoever gets bought in to replace him will not be accepted straight away and fans would lose faith in Ken Bates and his decisions. Will Vialli be missed, well rumour has it that he will be returning to England as a coach, but for who???!!!
The man he bought in to replace Vialli can’t speak a word of English, please tell me the use of that!
Claudio Ranieri has done more bad than good things for Chelsea Football club, which is a shame, as I like to watch Chelsea play and think that they are a great team.
Anyway the main reason for this opinion is to write about the current squad and how they have done during their time at Chelsea, well here goes!!
GOALKEEPERS
Ed de Goey
Was No 1 until Ranieri came along. De Goey was a great keeper under Vialli’s management but has seemed to let it slip since Ranieri took charge.
Carlo Cudicini
Now the No 1 at Chelsea. Ranieri has given him a chance and Cudicini has grabbed it and put in some great performances.
Mark Bosnich
Signed from Manchester United on a free transfer a few months ago. Is expected to make his awaited debut sometime this season.
DEFENDERS
Albert Ferrer
An experience wing back signed from Spanish giants Barcelona. He has been capped many times by Spain, which has helped his carer to improve. He has always consistently performed well for both Vialli and Ranierei.
Mario Melchiot
This Dutch wingback has added something to the Chelsea defence like a bit more stability. He has performed very well for Chelsea and has staked a claim for an international call up to the national team.
Frank Leboeuf
World Cup and European Championship winner with France. Recently there have been reports that Leboeuf wants out of Stamford Bridge and make a return to France. This is all rumours he wants to see his career out at Chelsea. Does need to sort out his arrogant attitude though.
Marcel Desailly
Also a World Cup and European Championship winner with France. His time at Chelsea has always been good putting in marvellous performances in all of the vital games. He has gained in confidence and looks the complete package.
John Terry
An experience young lad that has been given a chance by Ranieiri. He always looks commited to his football and is always willing to learn. I can see him being in the England national team if he steers clear of injury.
Jon Harley
Another young lad who is very much like Terry. He will make it if he puts in the effort both physically and mentally. Another potential England player.
Grahame Le Saux
Has had a very good career at Chelsea but looks to old to play for England now with many young lads coming through who play on the left which is a very good sign for Sven Goran Eriksson and England.
Celestine Babayaro
Nigerian left back who has not figured much in Ranieri’s plans this season. Is rumoured to be leaving the country to join a Spanish club?
MIDFIELDERS
Dennis Wise
Ah Dennis, the most faithful and experienced player at Stamford Bridge. He has been capped by England but I feel he is to old to get capped again. He is very much like Roy Keane, he is determined, committed and will do absolutely anything to see Chelsea win.
Gustavo Poyet
This Uruguayan has done amazing things during his time at Chelsea. He is very strong midfielder who has supported the attack scoring some great and useful goals. He is very good in the air, which makes him a quality midfielder.
Samuel Dalla Bona
Vialli found this young Italian. He has had his first real run in the Premiership this season when he was given a chance by Ranieri and boy did he take it. He was putting in amazing performances week in week out that many top European clubs were interested in him. However since Mario Stanic has come back from injury Dalla Bona has been left on the subs bench.
Mario Stanic
His Premiership career will be remembered for his fantastic strike against West Ham on the opening day of the season where he thumped the ball from about 40 yards after doing keepie up’s, bizarre.
Jesper Gronkjaer
This unheard of Danish player has been outstanding for Chelsea. I have to admit that Ranieri got this decision right this lad is amazing. After scoring 4 goals in his first 2 appearances this lad is brimming with confidence.
Dejan Jokanovic
An experienced Yugoslav signed after Ranieri sayed that he was going to buy young English players!! He hasn’t really shone in the Premiership and has only played a few games.
ATTACKERS
Gianfranco Zola
The little Italian has been up to his old skilful tricks this season doing what he does best, but unfortunately for Gianfranco he has been pushed out of the starting line up because Gudjohnsen and Hasselbaink have been performing better. I hope that Zola gets back in the team because he is very talented and exciting to watch.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
This is his second visit to the Premiership his first being at Leeds. He has being great from the start of the season till now. He is not only Chelsea’s leading goal scorer but also has scored the most in the league. Hopefully Chelsea will keep Hasselbaink at the club for year’s to come because he is a prolific goal scorer and a great all round player.
Eidur Gudjohnsen
This young Icelandic international has been the best buy of the year. Signed from Bolton and I have to admit that I was one of many that wrote off his chances of succeeding in the Premiership, but boy he has proved me wrong! The good thing is that him and Hasselbaink have an understanding, which will help the partnership to do well for years to come.
Chelsea don’t have a realistic chance of getting into the Champions League this season due to their very poor away record but I can see them qualifying for the UEFA cup. If Chelsea are going to succeed in the Premiership and be the challengers that we all know they can be they will have to strengthen the squad for next season.