Antonio Conte revolution is going to get started at Stamford Bridge after the Euros and the fans are rightly excited about the future. After a dismal season, which resulted in no European competitions for the next season, the toughest part will be to lure new world class additions to the existing squad. Conte has to work his magic and convince the project that will get underway in the next campaign.
The defense, which was the best in the league last season suffered such a meltdown that no one could have foreseen. Ivanovic, who was a consistent performer until this season, but he suffered such a downfall that it is now reported that he will be sold in the summer. The center back pairings that were used failed to impress and barring Azpilicueta and Zouma every other defender present at the club disappointed.
A full back seems to be the first thing on the Italian’s wishlist as the wing backs or full backs play a huge role in his tactics. Chelsea are short of a player who is experienced enough and can be the leader at the back, which was absent at the club last season. It is reported that the club are looking to sign the 32 year old Juventus centre back Stephan Lichtsteiner who can bring the stability back at the club. Conte’s former player is looking for a reunion with the manager who brought him to play for the La Madama and brought so much glory together for the Club.
Lichtsteiner has been at Juventus since 2011 and has been the unsung hero of the team for all its recent successes. He may not have the firepower of Pogba or the grace of Pilro when he was at the club, but the Swiss international has been instrumental in making the Bianconeris a force to reckon with. He is the perfect Conte player and after it is being speculated that Juventus are looking to sign Dani Alves in the summer, it seems a perfect opportunity for the blues to secure the services of the player who returned to football after having a heart surgery in October last year.
He plays on the right flank and can play in a back four and also as a right wingback when needed. In recent years, his attacking qualities and has been very effective when going forward. Lichtsteiner provided 7 assists in the 14-15 season and 6 of them were for Fernando Llorente when the duo formed a lethal partnership through that right flank. At Chelsea, him and Willian can wreck havoc at the right wing. His passing is also noteworthy and also his knowledge of tactical positioning which is a must in the Premier League.
All in all, a former player of the manager can be a good start for both the player and the manager and Lichtsteiner is definitely the type of player that is needed at the club. Also at 32, he won’t cost much money which can be used for the additions in the other departments. Lichtsteiner is too good of a player not to play in the Premier League and the blues can reap the benefits of the Swiss during his time at the club.