Vidal in, Fabregas out: Could this be Conte’s dream Chelsea midfield in 2017?
Antonio Conte seemingly has big plans for Chelsea in 2017…
The first half of 2016 was a very disappointing one for the Blues, but since the arrival of the Italian – everything has come good.
What a difference 12 months makes. This time last year, the Blues were facing a relegation battle – and now they are battling for Premier League supremacy.
Chelsea are comfortably leading the race in the Premier League, and whilst most Chelsea fans are pretty content – Antonio Conte seemingly isn’t.
It appears that the Italian has a few changes in mind for the new year, and a midfield rebuild is clearly a top priority for him. According to the Sun, Conte wants to bring Bayern Munich talisman Arturo Vidal to the Premier League, in a move that would undoubtedly shock rival fans.
Conversely, Cesc Fabregas has been linked with a move away – meaning that a spot in the Chelsea midfield could open up; with Vidal possibly coming in.
That being said, should Fabregas leave and Vidal join – could this be Conte’s dream Chelsea midfield in 2017?
DM – N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante has been a revelation in the heart of the Chelsea midfield, and there is no doubting that he would keep his place.
He is a defensive marvel, able to sniff out opposition moves before they have even happened.
The Frenchman had a relatively slow start to life at Stamford Bridge, but he has been crucial in Chelsea’s outstanding winning run, and with more quality alongside him – he is only going to improve.
He will likely sit at the bottom of an attacking trio, offering a defensive shield whilst also using his passing ability to pump balls forward to the men ahead of him.
CM – Arturo Vidal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGJsCrbS29I
Arturo Vidal is, in many ways, the complete midfielder.
He can pass, he can tackle, he can defend, he can attack – he can do it all.
The Chilean is best utilised as one man in a three-man midfield, as he likely will be should he join Chelsea, and he is the perfect man to contrast N’Golo Kante, who would play just behind him.
Expect him to dribble forward whilst also spraying balls to Diego Costa ahead of him. Surrounded by defensive stability, Vidal’s defensive responsibilities would be reduced, allowing him to focus more on the attacking side of the game.
CM – Nemanja Matic
This time last year, Matic was in a rut. He was a big reason as to why the Blues were struggling – and he was even dropped for a time by then-boss Guus Hiddink.
Under Conte, however, that has all changed. The Serbian has been unstoppable, offering assists and offensive prowess whilst also partnering outstandingly with N’Golo Kante.
His partnership with Kante has allowed him to flourish going forward, which is a skill that was hidden when forced to play alongside Fabregas under Jose Mourinho.
The trio of Vidal, Kante and Matic will work perfectly in sync together – and they would, arguably, be the most deadly midfield in Europe. Markedly reminiscent of the Essien, Ballack and Frank Lampard trio that worked so well all those years ago.