|
By Steven Cronin
Chelsea’s latest excursion into the transfer market has left
many fans thinking this season’s title race is already a
foregone conclusion.
On the face of it Chelsea appear to have signed two genuine
world class stars in Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko to
add to their growing number of A list players.
Ballack has been the driving force for both Bayern Munich and
the German national team for several years and has always
resisted the temptation to move until now.
Ukrainian Shevchenko proved his worth in Italy with AC Milan
after spending his early years learning his trade at Dynamo
Kiev.
Indeed, following the decline of Brazilian superstar Ronaldo,
Shevchenko has emerged as possibly the world’s most feared
striker.
But both new signings are approaching the autumn of their
careers. They’ve been successful at previous clubs, gathering
an impressive collection of medals between the pair of them.
Whether the fire continues to burn only time will tell.
As one of the few home grown players, Frank Lampard will be
hoping to put a mediocre World Cup behind him and find a
return
to his old Chelsea form.
Though Lampard has come in for some stinging criticism from
the
English press, you don’t become a bad player overnight and
Frank
will be eager for a good start to the season.
The evergreen Claude Makelele flourished in the France
midfield
during the World Cup alongside Zinedine Zidane.
Makelele will again be hoping to provide the steel in the
Chelsea engine room, allowing the more offensive players the
opportunity to hurt the opposition.
We can only hope their nearest challengers put up a greater
fight than last season when the title race was won at a
canter.
All said and done, if Chelsea’s star names play to anything
like their potential, it’s difficult to see any outcome other
than a third consecutive title for the Londoners.
About The Author: For the latest news and opinion on English
football visit www.sargas.co.uk
|