According to Danish paper BT, on-loan Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen is set to return to Chelsea at the end of the season…

Having spent 2 seasons on loan with Borussia Dortmund, it would appear as though Antonio Conte and Chelsea feel as though the young central defender is ready for the big leagues – with a starting role at Chelsea seemingly on the cards next season.

677231

Conversely, John Terry is beginning to look like a likely absentee from the the Blues team next season – with his form and fitness decreasing and his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

In truth, the summer is beginning to look like a real period of change for Chelsea at the back – and no area is going to get swapped around as much as the defensive line. With a few players potentially leaving and a few joining – Chelsea’s defence could be indistinguishable next season – with Conte finally building the team that he wants.

The 3-4-3 formation looks set to stay, and so the defence going forward will likely consist of just 3 defenders – and with John Terry likely to leave and Christensen to come in, who might start for the Blues next season?

With that said, is this Conte’s dream Chelsea back three for the 2017/18 season?

 CB – Andreas Christensen

Andreas Christensen’s rise has been truly remarkable.

An impressive defender at youth level, the Danish centre-half has come on leaps and bounds since moving to Borussia Monchengladbach – and has quickly turned into one of the better plays on the books at the German side.

Technically gifted, strong in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet, Christensen is arguably one of Europe’s finest young defenders – and he would fit in perfectly at Chelsea.

The Bundesliga has some of Europe’s best attackers, and Christensen has dealt with them fantastically – and he will no doubt continue that process in the Premier League,

 CB – Kurt Zouma

Kurt Zouma has spent the last year on the shelf, but it would appear as though he is quickly closing in on a Chelsea return.

He has already made his first start, in the FA Cup against Peterborough, and he looks likely to become a regular feature for the Blues again as the season progresses.

The French defender will likely have to wait until next season until he becomes a starter, with John Terry set to leave, though a few good performances could speed that process up.

Offering powerful, no-nonsense defending – Zouma is perfect for Conte.

 CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

The only survivor of the Chelsea back three from the current season is Cesar Azpilicueta.

Though naturally a right-back, Azpilicueta has performed wherever he has played – and in the heart of the defence could well be his best position.

He isn’t the most spectacular defender, but he is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best – and there is no doubting that he will continue to be the main man at the back for the Blues.

Loading ...