Chelsea ‘just about’ strong enough – Nevin
Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin says the club’s transfer business should just be enough to get them through until the January window opens.
Nevin believes the deadline day signings of midfielder Danny Drinkwater and defender Davide Zappacosta allied to the versatility already within the squad will mean the Blues can cope with the early stages of the Champions League and the Premier League.
“Some of the players Chelsea have are two in one,” Nevin told West London Sport. “Drinkwater is a specialist but signing him, as well as Zappacosta, frees up other players.
Nevin believes the arrival of Zappacosta gives much-needed cover at wing-back. And with players like Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz able to play in at least two roles the squad begins to look more balanced.
“Victor Moses cannot play an entire season of 60 games at the same level – the same with Marcos Alonso – so Zappacosta was important,” Nevin added.
Drinkwater’s signing also means Fabregas can operate further forward as one of the three attacking players and ease the burden on Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro.
Zappacosta was signed ahead of the transfer deadline
“When you look at the squad it is still relatively small, but with a fair wind they are probably just about enough,” the former Blues winger added. “With the couple of players they have brought in it looks much more comfortable.”
But Nevin feels there is one cause for slight concern.
He said: “The signings have had no effect on centre-forward – that is the one area where I think they are a little light.
“But there is also the imagination of Antonio Conte with the formation and he can be very imaginative so Hazard or Pedro could play there, as well as Michy Batshuayi.
“Robbing Peter to pay Paul depends on injuries and suspensions of course and maybe it’s a matter of needing a perfect storm. But it can happen again like it did last season. I would still say City and United are favourites.”
Nevin was a hugely popular player at Chelsea in the 1980s
Alvaro Morata, Tiémoué Bakayoko, Antonio Rudiger and Willy Caballero all joined in the summer and there will be the chance to strengthen further in the new year.
Nevin added: “There is the Champions League to cope with but I would say that Chelsea have January to look forward to and I think they have just about enough to get through as they can mix and match.
“Fans may say it is not enough but Conte has brought half a team that can all play. They are not filler players. They are comfortable starters and fit in the team. They are not just filling a gap.”
