How Chelsea could line up with Haaland and Lukaku together
James Shearman
- 21 Oct 2021 08:23 BST
- 3 min read
The Blues had shown interest in Haaland in this summer's transfer window but an exceptionally high asking price meant attentions were turned to the Belgian forward.
Chelsea later completed the £97.5 million signing of Lukaku, who has scored three goals in seven Premier League appearances. But that has not ended hopes of acquiring the Borussia Dortmund striker.
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Haaland scored 27 Bundesliga goals in as many games last season, with six assists, and has continued his fine goalscoring form this campaign.
Chelsea would have to beat off interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City for his services, but if they were to do so they would pose one of the most formidable strike partnerships in recent memory.
So, how will the Blues line up if they sign Haaland for the 2022-23 season?
Chelsea probable XI with Haaland
Edouard Mendy has proven himself as one of, if not the best goalkeeper in the world right now and should be Chelsea's 'number one' going forward.
The Blues have a plethora of quality central defenders, including the highly experienced Thiago Silva and academy prospect Trevoh Chalobah.
However, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and club legend Cesar Azpilicueta should be first choice.
As for the wing-backs, Ben Chilwell and Reece James both performed excellently in the Champions League-winning run and deserve to keep their places in the side.
Jorignho's Ballon d'Or contention may have come under criticism but there's no doubting his recent performances for Chelsea, especially since manager Thomas Tuchel arrived at the club.
N'Golo Kante remains one of the world's elite midfielders, keeping Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek out of the starting lineup.
Mason Mount has not been at his best lately, but the Cobham graduate remains integral to Tuchel's plans.
Now, for the strikers. Romelu Lukaku has spoken about his desire to play as an all-round centre-forward rather than a target man with his back to goal.
That said, alongside Haaland, the Belgian's role would have to be in that mould, with the frighteningly quick 21-year-old spearheading the attack and getting in-behind.
The two would, no doubt, put up a large number of goals, but how two big natural centre forwards would fare together in a 3-4-1-2 or 3-5-2 - and the balance of the rest of the side as a result - remains open to debate.
