2. Elseid Hysaj (Right back-Napoli)
One of the most underrated fullbacks in world football currently, Elseid Hysaj did make his mark at Napoli under Maurizio Sarri and hence just like Jorginho the Italian tactician wants to reunite with his Albanian right back. Chelsea’s downfall has been their defence and it is an area where Sarri does not like messing around, usually his team’s boasts great defensive organisation but things have not gone as per plans for the former Napoli man.
Although after Sarri’s suggestion the Blues are on the move to tie up the deal with the Albanian. Nothing has been finalised yet but Chelsea are keen that they will get their man. Hysaj primarily a right back can also slot in as a left back with great aplomb.
Hysaj is splendid on his defensive duties right from his days under Sarri and that is something which Chelsea needs right now with Cesar Azpilicueta going through a rough patch. Hysaj’s arrival in the summer can also allow Sarri to test Azpilicueta as a centre-back where the Spaniard has flourished in the past seasons.
3. Nicolo Barella (Centre Midfield-Cagliari)
Not often does a midfielder get compared with some of the greatest in the sport, yes scouts who have seen Barella closely have often drawn comparisons with greats Steven Gerrard and Andrea Pirlo. The 21-year old lad from Cagliari is immensely versatile and can play in attacking defensive or rather balanced roles depending on the philosophy or sheer need of the hour for his team.
Sarri brought Jorginho with him to Stamford Bridge and the Italian has been his mainstay in midfield alongside N’golo Kante. However, speaking of the third midfielder the Italian has shuffled that spot among Matteo Kovacic and Ross Barkley. Sarri’s philosophy depends on each and every player and for Sarriball to click properly he needs to clearly settle these issues because each role he assigns to a particular player is interconnected with the other player so failure to live up to expectations hampers the whole system.
Sarri’s top target was Leandro Paredes who joined Paris Saint Germain recently. So the Blues have now set their eyes on Cagliari youngster Nicolo Barella. The 21-year old is very balanced in his play and exceptionally matured with the ball at his feet at this age. Something which Sarri loves in his players and with experienced campaigner like Cesc Fabregas already gone, Barella can also be a cover for Jorginho next season and if needed can fit in as the third midfielder in the Italian’s 4-3-3 formation. Barella still has a long way to go as a player and the Italian would love to learn the nuances of the game from Maurizio Sarri at a Premier League club like Chelsea!
(Author-Atrayo Bhattacharya)
