Chelsea should look at adding some more experience to their very young squad once the summer transfer window comes around.
That is according to former Blues star Joe Cole.
He’s namechecked Real Madrid’s legendary midfield duo Luka Modric and Toni Kroos as the sort of profile that Chelsea should try tempt to Stamford Bridge.
For what it’s worth, Modric is currently out of contract at the Bernabeu once this season ends. The 38-year-old Croatian star is still oozing class when he plays for Madrid this season despite losing his nailed-on starting position, scoring two goals and making six assists in 33 appearances.
As for Kroos, he continues to impress for Madrid with seven assists in 38 games from midfield. The 34-year-old German maestro is a great mentor for the new batch of Galacticos such as Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, but for now he’s also out of contract this summer.
Joe Cole has made the interesting suggestion of Chelsea looking towards a couple of Real Madrid’s iconic figures.
In particular, he put forward Modric’s name first as an idea for the Blues.
Cole told talkSPORT: “If I were advising the [Chelsea] board, I’d say we’ve bought these youngsters and spent a lot of money on them. They’re all getting better; great, we’re improving. Why don’t we sprinkle some good-quality, experienced players into the group over the next few years? They don’t have to play every game, but they can help…
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“I’d be looking to bring in some experienced players who set the tone. I’m thinking Luka Modric. Does he want to come and play in the Premier League for one more year? He’s still doing bits at Real Madrid. How much has he helped [Eduardo] Camavinga. [Aurelien] Tchouameni, [Federico] Valverde? He would have had such an influence on them as players.
“Toni Kroos he’s 34. Does he want to test himself at his age coming over here and helping out this young squad?
“They’re just names I’ve thrown off the top of my head. I don’t know their situation.”
Luka Modric for Chelsea
Blues fans have learned from Thiago Silva in recent years that age is just a number.
We agree that this young and inexperienced Chelsea dressing room is crying out for one or two more individuals with know-how at the highest level.
Modric has enjoyed the kind of career that’s firmly made him one of the elite central midfielders of his generation, winning five Champions Leagues in Madrid colours along the way.
Does the former Tottenham star really have the drive to return to English football again? Let’s remember he turns 39 in September, too.
Described as “unplayable” by Nedum Onuoha on ESPN last year, Modric is still operating at an insanely high level.
If any club wants to sign him for next season, they’d need to have a chat to ask how he feels in his own body.
