da dobrowin： If there’s one thing that Antonio Conte should be credited for in Chelsea’s title win, it must be his ability to get the best out of his players.
da 888casino： His switch to a three-man defence has got the best out of Gary Cahill and David Luiz – the latter someone who had been seen as a liability in his previous spell at Stamford Bridge.
The formation also allowed the Italian to get the best out of journeymen Marcus Alonso and Victor Moses.
While both of these excelled in their wing-back roles, the flanks are seen as a weakness for Chelsea in the season ahead, particularly as there are no real deputies in either position.
And while the Nigerian has played well, he has sometimes look liked one of the weaker players in the side – such as when he was sent off in the FA Cup final.
It’s for that reason that Chelsea should be looking at a new right-back to compete with, or perhaps even surpass, the former Wigan man.
And with one of the league’s most consistent full-backs attracting the big clubs, the Blues should be looking to throw their hat in too.
Cedric Soares has been one of the most consistent full-backs in the league since his £4.7m move two years ago, which is probably why the Mirror are reporting that Tottenham, Juventus and Barcelona are all eyeing him up.
The ex-Sporting Lisbon man was superb for Portugal at Euro 2016 and has followed this up with an excellent campaign for the Saints.
He has a number of qualities that make him a perfect fit for Conte’s side as well – not least his attacking abilities.
The 25-year-old produced 1.4 accurate crosses per game last year – with only James Milner and Antonio Valencia (1.5) producing more out of all the defenders in the league – and managed three assists.
Whether it is Diego Costa or Romelu Lukaku leading the line for the Blues next season, having a full-back who can provide that kind of service will only benefit Conte’s plans.
He’s no slouch in defence either, having managed 2.8 tackles per game (the joint-seventh best in the league) and being a key part of a Saints defence that managed 14 clean sheets last term.
On top of that, Chelsea’s bargaining position may well be improved by the current uncertainty at Southampton.
While eight-place is by no means a poor finish, the Saints managed 17 point less this campaign and with Claude Puel recently sacked and replaced by Mauricio Pellegrino there’s no telling if the South coast club’s form will improve.
With Soares’ future uncertain, their quest for a new right-back may well be closer than they think.