Chelsea Pre-Season Review: A Case For the Defence

Chelsea start the 2011/2012 season on Sunday against Stoke with a bit of a temporary defensive crisis as Alex, David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic are unlikely to be available.

With Jeffrey Bruma on loan and the Slobodan Rajkovic saga still ongoing we will be relying on Nathaniel Chalobah and Tomas Kalas as back up which is mildly concerning but a great opportunity for the pair.

Overall however our defensive line will start the season in good shape, with strength and depth.

Left Back

We still have the best left back in the league Ashley Cole as our first choice which is a remarkable strength.

He is supported by two very talented young players in Patrick Van Aanholt and Ryan Bertrand who will both be hoping to prove to Andre Villas Boas that they can be his long term successor.

I have confidence that if Ashley Cole was injured either could step into his shoes.

Centre Back

We are currently spoilt for choice at centre back.

With John Terry, David Luiz and Alex we have three of the best central defenders in the league at our disposal.

Versatile defender Branslav Ivanovic also provides further cover and bar an injury crisis we should be in an excellent position.

Right Back

Right back is probably the weakest part of our defensive line up but still adequate to our needs.

The two main players in this area are Jose Boswinga who is good going forward but poor at the back and Branislav Ivanovic who is conversely strong defensively but not as adventurous going forward.

Recommended Signings

Possibly a back up defender if Slobodan Rajkovic cannot get a visa or a right back if the correct opportunity came along.