Chelsea really need to find a defensive steel in their game going into next season after struggling at the back last year.
There’s a lot of quality defenders currently on the books at Stamford Bridge, but who will new head coach Enzo Maresca prefer as his settled backline?
The Athletic has claimed that Chelsea are likely to use Maresca’s preferred 4-3-3 system in the 2024/25 campaign.
So, what will that back four look like next season?
The Chelsea Chronicle has predicted the three most likely ways that the defence may look under the new management. In particular, we’re looking at the back four to start as the main combination in the Premier League.
Option A
James Fofana Colwill Cucurella
On paper, this back four seems like one that the Italian boss will surely take a look at on the pitch as soon as possible.
Chelsea captain Reece James starts at right-back in this possible combination. Let’s remember that he’s suspended for the opening few games of next season, though.
Marc Cucurella slots in as the opposite full-back on the left. The way he’s playing for Spain at Euro 2024 is surely doing his chances of starting for his club next season no harm.
The centre-half partnership in this defence is Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill.
GiveMeSport said last month that Fofana and Colwill is expected to start as Chelsea’s first-choice combination at centre-back next season.
Option B
James Disasi Colwill Chilwell
James continues as the right-sided defender in this option.
However, Ben Chilwell at left-back is a serious option for Maresca in the XI.
Interestingly, The Evening Standard has claimed that Chelsea believe James and Chilwell can succeed Thiago Silva as a leader at Stamford Bridge.
It feels like left-footer Colwill is going to be a dream fit under the new head coach because of his ball-playing quality.
A different option to partner him in defence could be powerhouse Axel Disasi, who impressed during parts of his debut Chelsea season last year.
Option C
Gusto Adarabioyo Badiashile Cucurella
Let’s not completely rule out Malo Gusto becoming Chelsea’s main right-back. He was truly excellent last season, plus he’s got a head start due to James’ suspension.
This potential back four sees Gusto as the right full-back, with Cucurella over the other side at left-back.
Benoit Badiashile is another centre-half you can’t rule out getting an opportunity. He’s a powerful defender with quality when he’s in possession.
Similarly, new signing Tosin Adarabioyo is a strong centre-back that could be a great option in the XI.
