Vidal in, Fabregas out: Could this be Conte’s dream Chelsea midfield in 2017?

 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.