Chelsea's acquisition of Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva in transfer window proves Lampard is gunning for glory
It's that time when journalists and football enthusiasts sit and meticulously analyze how the Premier League clubs' transfer windows panned out. When it comes to Chelsea, it does appear the verdict is unanimous— The Blues have perhaps had the best window which ended on October 5, as they have had some impressive acquisitions. It started with roping in Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, two best talents that are out there in the Bundesliga. They linked-up Ben Chilwell, one of the best defensive left-backs England has seen in recent times.
In Hakim Ziyech, they have a midfielder who adds more depth to the side with his precision long passes. They brought in Edouard Mendy in place of their erratic goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga. Then there's Thiago Silva, signed on as a free transfer from PSG, who adds quality to the Blues defense. It's fair to say Frank Lampard went all out in building a side that has enough firepower to make them legitimate title contenders. Some may call it lavish spending, we call it building a solid squad.
Mendy's save from Sergio Reguilon was one of the highlights of the game against the Spurs that also saw words of praise by Lampard. "I thought he was very good,’ said the gaffer postgame. "He made a couple of good saves. Came and caught a few balls. Very very pleased with every part of his game." In Mendy, the side has a tall goalkeeper better suited for League conditions as he fills the post and has the ability to anticipate crosses.
Here's a quick look at their acquisitions: Hakim Ziyech (Ajax, £33.4m/ $43m), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig, £47.5m/ $61.2m), Ben Chilwell (Leicester, £50m/$64.5m), Malang Sarr (Free Transfer), Thiago Silva (Free Transfer), Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen, £72m/$92m), and Edouard Mendy (Rennes, £22m/$28m). They are primed to finish in the top four should these players fire. It should be noted they didn't have the kind of start they wanted to the season.
The side has lost to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur and hung in there to eke out a 3-3 draw against West Brom. However, a comprehensive 4-0 win over Crystal Palace would have done their confidence a world of good. With the focus on a deeper squad, Lampard now has the option of rotating his players and keep them fresh in a grueling season. With no games slated on October 10 and 11 due to the 2020 International Friendlies, there's enough time for Chelsea to prepare for their next round of matches.
While the Blues will be eager to vault over Southampton, they will have soon lock horns against Sevilla in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League followed by an all-important game against Manchester United. Chelsea is currently placed seventh on the points table with two wins in four games.
What are your thoughts on Chelsea's transfer window?