While last season proved an almighty success for Chelsea on paper, in reality, it could be described as a disaster campaign for the Blues. Despite finishing third and winning the Europa League, Chelsea faced the numerous problems last season from the uncertainty surrounding former manager Maurizio Sarri’s future to the poor results on the pitch.
However, among all the trouble, there was one beacon of hope, Eden Hazard, with the Belgian contributing to 34% of all of Chelsea’s goals last season. However, after his amicable departure, Chelsea need their senior attackers to stand tall next season. Pedro and Willian have been frustrating figures for Chelsea last season, however, if Chelsea are to replace Hazard’s goals next season, the disappointing duo must improve.
Last season, Pedro and Willian, the most senior wingers at the club after Hazard, combined for just 21 goals and 19 assists. That was just two more goal contributions than Hazard managed himself. Chelsea can’t enter next season relying on new signing Christian Pulisic to pull all the strings and contribute most of the club’s attacking play. And with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffering long-term injuries, Willian and Pedro shoulder extra responsibilities on the wing. On paper, the 20-year-old Pulisic could struggle to replace Hazard, only managing to score 19 goals and assist a further 26 in a mass 123 appearances for his former club Borussia Dortmund.
As well as the lack of wing options, Chelsea aren’t exactly blessed with world-class strikers. Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi both struggled last season in the league, only scoring two and six goals respectively. And while Tammy Abraham spearheaded Aston Villa’s promotion back to the Premier League with 25 goals, he has only ever made three senior appearances for Chelsea, and cannot be relied upon hit the ground running next season.
Chelsea’s options in attack are paper thin for next season, so Pedro and Willian must step up to ensure they fill the void left by the magical Hazard.
