Llorente in: Conte’s dream Chelsea attack at the end of January
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If reports published by the Daily Star are correct, Chelsea are set to sign Swansea forward Fernando Llorente on loan for the rest of the season…
The news had been coming, but the Daily Star’s reports are the first to suggest that a deal is done –
Whilst the move is a strange one on first glance, on paper it actually makes a lot of sense. Whilst Michy Batshuayi is a good option, Llorente has proven that he can score goals in the Premier League, and that is exactly what Conte needs.
Llorente is a very different player to Diego Costa, and herein lies what could very well be Conte’s plan with him. It would make very little sense to sign more attacking cover, so it would appear as though Conte is planning on playing both Llorente and Costa together – perhaps in a formation with 2 forwards.
It would make sense for the formation to be a 4-2-4, with Chelsea reverting to their more standard 4 at the back formation – with N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic covering the defence – with Llorente and Costa flanked by two impressive wingers.
Conte clearly has a lot of plans for his attack – so could the following 4 players make up his DREAM attack at the end of January?
LM – Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard is the star in the Chelsea team, and with Llorente or without him, he will play each and every week.
Able to make something out of nothing, Hazard is arguably one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players – with this season has been one of his best yet.
He has finally started converting his chances and assisting the big man up front, and with Llorente in the mix too – you can expect his assist ratio to go way up.
He’s only going to get better.
ST – Diego Costa
Diego Costa is, undoubtedly, one of Europe’s best attackers – and there is no way that he will be dropped to make room for Llorente.
He is proving deadly in the Premier League this season, and unless Conte does shift to this formation, his fine form could mean very little game time for Llorente.
He runs, he defends, he scores – he does it all; and Conte will be wise to ensure that is kept happy.
ST – Fernando Llorente
Fernando Llorente knows Antonio Conte from his time at Juventus, and so it is no surprise that the Italian is looking towards familiar names as he bids for Premier League glory with Chelsea.
He has been pretty prolific for Swansea, despite the fact that his side haven’t been playing well, and that ratio will surely only go up at Chelsea.
He is an experienced hand, so a loan move would be perfect, and so for Conte – this move is a win-win.
RM – Willian
Willian is the perfect winger.
He is a hard worker, but take nothing away from his attacking play: he is also unstoppable going forward.
The Brazilian has been mightily impressive this season, despite playing less regularly than he is used to – though he will surely win over Conte in the end.