Yesterday, Chelsea confirmed on their official website that young defender Nathan Ake had been recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth…

The young Dutch defender had impressed in recent weeks, but nobody was expecting Antonio Conte to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea fans have surely become used to young stars being sent out on loan only to be replaced by big money foreign signings – but it would appear as though Antonio Conte is not going to fall into that mould.

Chelsea’s need for defensive depth is clear, and Ake, with his versatility and defensive strength, could be a perfect fit – and it would appear as though Antonio Conte has big plans for his defence next season.

The Blues’ back line has done well this year, but it seems as though the future is a priority for Conte – so could we see some pretty drastic changes to the Chelsea defence in 2017?

With that said, could this be the new-look Chelsea defence in 2017?

CB – Nathan Ake

It was a shock when Nathan Ake was recalled, but in reality – the deal actually makes a lot of sense.

The Dutchman is comfortable playing out wide or in the middle, but with Chelsea currently playing with a back 3 – a role on the left-hand side of Chelsea defence could be perfect for the youngster.

The role will allow him to get forward where applicable whilst also utilising his pace and technical ability to get the Blues out of trouble.

He will be the perfect player for the role, and with Gary Cahill now in his 30s – he could be the future for Chelsea.

CB – Kurt Zouma

Kurt Zouma returned for Chelsea against Peterborough in the FA Cup – after being out of action for nearly a year.

The powerful central defender had cemented his place in the Chelsea first team before his injury, and you would expect him to return to a role of that significance within a matter of weeks.

He is strong, powerful and he reads the game brilliantly – making him perfect for a back 3.

His pace makes him unique with regards to Chelsea’s defensive options, and he will be a great asset. David Luiz has done well, but he was only going to be a short-term option.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta is the only surviving member of this Chelsea defence, but there was no way that the Spaniard was going to be dropped.

He has been stellar this year, as he always is, and Conte would never dream of placing him on the bench.

Like Ake, he is a natural full-back, so a position on the flanks of a 3 man defence suits him well – and he seems to be improving in the role with every passing week.

A move to a wing-back role could be forthcoming eventually, but for the time being – playing as a centre-half is serving him well.

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