Chelsea's Rebuilding Effort

As the blues are one victory away from getting their hands on the EPL trophy, there is no doubt the side will display a number of new faces next year.

It's common knowledge that the team is aging and starting to show some cracks and needs to be revitalized in the summer. What will Chelsea's rebuilding strategy be this summer?

The blues' limitations couldn't be anymore obvious then against Inter this season.

They were outsmarted tactically, and out-muscled on the field. A lot of fans called for Carlo's head after the defeat to Mourinho, but really, that would have been unfair to the Italian.

He only joined the side at the beginning of the season and inherited from a Chelsea side that finished three in the EPL last season. Most importantly, he worked with a squad that was not his.

He didn't make any major signing upon coming to Chelsea, instead, he worked with what he had. Sure, Zhirkov was signed under him, but he was really tipped to move to Stanford Bridge way before Ancelotti got there.

He was spotted long before as a transfer target, under Guus. So really Sturridge and Matic are the two transfers Ancelotti had the most influence on. These transfers show the direction he wants to take: think young, promising and cheap!

Chelsea doesn't need a complete overhaul as everybody seemed to suggest after the Champions League exit.

Why would they do that when they have such a strong core? Their back four is still one of the strongest in Europe, with Alex showing he is capable of taking over Carvalho alongside John Terry. Ashley Cole is arguably the best left back in the world (if he stays fit) and Ivanovic was voted as starter right back in the EPL team of the year, that tells a lot.

The team has a very strong midfield, especially when Michael Essien is fit, but they lack creativity and explosiveness at times. The attack led by Drogba who is in everybody's top three strikers list in the world this season, is one of if not the most prolific in England.

What Chelsea needs is progressive reinforcement in key positions. The defense is fine for now, no changes required. They need more youth and creativity in midfield.

As for the offense, the team needs a tricky and pacy attacking player on the right flank. Chelsea's attack has been overly playing on the left because Malouda is the only consistent winger in the team.They need to balance the attack with a similar player on the right wing.

Chelsea's rebuilding approach is likely to be a combination of youth promotion through the academy and the arrival of one or two established players. That is the direction Carlo seems to want to take and he is completely right about it.

Chelsea have some very exciting players coming through the academy and players such as Matic and Kakuta can bring exactly the creativity and dynamism they need in midfield.

I still expect at least one major signing, and Sergio Aguero might just be that. He would be a great addition to the squad because of the versatility he brings to the team.

He can play on the right wing in a 4-3-3 formation (where Chelsea definitely has a void to fill,) or behind two strikers in a 4-4-2 formation.

He can also play alongside Drogba or as lone striker if required. He has the pace, strength on the ball and skills to be a hit in the EPL.

However, I don't expect him to be a high goal scorer, at least not at first. Expect him to be a creative force who also knows how to score (a bit like Arshavin for Arsenal.)

I don't expect him to score 20 goals/season, but more like 10-15 goals depending on which position he plays. With the likes of Kakuta and Matic available in midfield next season, adding such established and skillful, yet young players as Aguero to the mix will help Chelsea transition into its next phase and kicking off what could become the Ancelotti era.

soccerCrave @ http://www.soccercrave.wordpress.com