Every manager in world football has had a crack at managing Chelsea – or so it seems. Roman Abramovich’s lurking trigger finger piles the pressure on from the start of your Chelsea save, with expectations high.
Managing the squad is not as bad as it may seem. There is enough depth to cope with a slight injury crisis and some young talent that could be nurtured into useful players or sold on for some additional funds. Defensively, reinforcements are needed, but the lack of European football in your first season should make things a little easier.
Chelsea’s recent history has seen them fail in the development of young players.
There are signs this could be changing, however, and you might be the boss to show them the way forward. Academy products are all good and well, but sometimes you just want to splash a bit of cash to pick up some of the most talented young players...
Oliver Burke
You’ll have to wait until the second season to get your grubby mitts on Oliver Burke, but Red Bull Leipzig’s Scottish starlet is well worth the wait.
Most comfortable on the right wing, Burke could be your long-term successor to Willian and Pedro.
Burke’s dribbling and pace make him a constant threat down the right, even if his goal return is sometimes a little disappointing for a player with his finishing.
Jorge Mere
Jorge Mere is not as cheap as he was in previous carnations of Football Manager, which is to be expected of a player improving at such a rapid rate.
The Sporting Gijon central defender is perfect if you are aiming to replicate Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3. Into the second and third seasons of your save, Mere could be the ideal alternative to Christensen and Zouma.
Dani Ceballos
If you are going to build your team around a no. 10, Dani Ceballos could be the signing for you. Available for a reasonable price, the diminutive Spaniard operates most comfortably in a central attacking position.
A creator and dribbler primarily, advanced playmaker is role that Ceballos will eventually be most suited to.
Julian Weigl
In need of a deep-lying playmaker? If so, Julian Weigl is your man.
Ready to slot straight into the Chelsea team, Weigl is one of the highest potential players on the game. His potential means that Dortmund will demand an extortionate fee for his services, though.
Rest assured, whatever the price, Weigl is worth it.
Lewis Cook
Another player who you have to wait until the second season for, Lewis Cook is the ideal, rounded midfielder.
Capable of playing in virtually any central midfield role, Cook could be the long-term successor to Frank Lampard you have been looking for.
His development will depend on his game time, but Cook can become an all-time English and Premier League great with the correct management.