How Chelsea could line up with Matthijs de Ligt
Karan Tejwani
- Updated: 28 Jun 2022 11:30 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea are looking to secure the signing of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt to bolster their defence following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Improving their back-line has been one of the core priorities for the club, and signing a player like De Ligt – someone young and with great potential – is an appealing option.
The Blues are evaluating ways of getting the deal done – Juventus want a fee of around €100m, but Chelsea are unwilling to pay that and are exploring options of packaging a deal that would entice the Bianconeri.
So, how could Chelsea line up should they complete the signing of the Dutch defender?
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Changes in defence and attack for Chelsea
In goal, Edouard Mendy should continue – he’s been a trusted figure under Thomas Tuchel, and there’s no reason to make a change when he’s doing well for them.
Defence is where the biggest changes will be seen, and Tuchel’s back three will continue with some new faces as they rebuild following some big departures.
Thiago Silva is still able to be the leader at the back and has had a big impact since moving to London two seasons ago; even at 37, he is still doing well for himself.
Trevoh Chalobah had a good start to the season, and was trusted upon several times by Tuchel over the course of the season so he should have more opportunities next season.
De Ligt could complete the back-line and add more solidity at the back; he has several suitable attributes for this side and would be a worthwhile signing.
On this day three years ago, Ajax eliminated Juventus with a victory in Turin, thanks to the goal of De Ligt. pic.twitter.com/PiVWOH80MD
— Khaled Al Nouss (@khaledalnouss1) April 15, 2022
In front of them, Reece James and Ben Chilwell – who is set to return after a long injury lay-off – should occupy the wing-back spaces in this 3-4-3.
In midfield, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante will sit, with Mateo Kovacic providing the depth in the ranks, giving Chelsea some decent options.
If their transfer activity goes to plan, there could be some changes to the Chelsea attack as well as Romelu Lukaku departs, with Timo Werner possibly following.
Mason Mount has been appreciated several times by Tuchel over the course of the German’s tenure there, so he should continue in the front three.
Kai Havertz had a better second season at Stamford Bridge, and has been leading the line quite often for club and country, so that should be his position secured.
On the right, Raheem Sterling could be another new signing, with Chelsea reportedly close to agreeing a deal for the Manchester City attacker.
Things could all change depending on the club’s remaining transfer activity, and seeing as there is still lots of time left before the transfer window shuts, Chelsea may have more options come the start of the season.
