Chelsea: John Stones
Chelsea are a side in serious transition. After the reign of Jose Mourinho ended in December, Guus Hiddink has since taken over the reigns and has begun to right the sinking ship. While things are from rosy at Stamford Bridge, and there is a long way to go to recover from the disastrous end to Mourinho’s tenure. The squad, on paper, is still one of the best in the league, so there really aren’t too many areas where a new signing is an absolute necessity.
There is, though, one glaring weakness in this Chelsea team, and that is at center half. John Terry has been a faithful servant to the London club, and Gary Cahill has performed well as his partner in the past few seasons. Nonetheless, they are not the future of this Chelsea defense. That belongs to Kurt Zouma who is a very promising player. He needs a partner in crime and that man is Everton’s John Stones.
Stones is a consummate defender. Comfortable on the ball, strong in the air, quick and strong, he is an excellent defender. Moreover, he is only 21 and is improving every week. He still makes mistakes now and then, and has lapses in concentration. However, he will improve in this area with age and experience. If Chelsea were able to pull off a signing that they attempted, and ultimately failed, in the Summer, he could be their starting center half for the next decade. Now that is a good signing.
Next: Crystal Palace