Despite the record spending of more than 600 million euros since the summer, things are not going well at Chelsea. Borussia Dortmund is still warned. BVB has to watch out for these players in the first leg of the Champions League.
Tenth in the Premier League, just one win this year and just 23 goals in 22 games. Chelsea FC’s mega investments have not paid off so far.
However, Borussia Dortmund does not want to take the Londoners lightly. “The Champions League stage is something very special for Chelsea too, and the boys will be excited about it,” emphasized sporting director Sebastian Kehl before the game.
BVB must therefore “watch out like hell” – especially on these players:
Chelsea FC paid a whopping 121 million euros (transfer record) for the winter transfer from Enzo Fernández. In addition, the Argentine world champion received a mega contract until 2031.
Fernández has made two appearances for Chelsea since then. The central midfielder remained pale in the 0-0 draw against Fulham. In the recent 1-1 draw against West Ham United, Joao Félix prepared the 1-0.
“I think he fit in really well,” said Chelsea team manager Graham Potter after the draw: “It was a tough game and you could see his qualities. You could see what he would bring to the team.”
Should Fernández ignite the next level against BVB, it could become extremely dangerous. The 22-year-old’s qualities were impressively demonstrated at the World Cup in Qatar. There he was voted the best young player of the tournament.
Fernández shines with precise passes that his teammates stage. In the switching game, the world champion usually makes the right decisions.
The youngster does not neglect his defensive tasks, impresses with a high mileage and does not shy away from a duel.
If BVB wants to score points against Chelsea, it is important to take Fernández out of the game as far as possible so that he can no longer develop his qualities.
Joao Félix could benefit from Fernández’ sugar passes. The two newcomers proved in the 1-1 draw against West Ham that this interaction works without a long adjustment period.
Joao Félix (centre) warmed up for BVB
After his terrible debut, in which he saw the red against Fulham (1-2) after almost an hour and was then suspended for three games, last weekend’s goal could have been a chest release for Félix.
The attacker was loaned out by Atlético Madrid for €11m in January and is expected to revitalize the Blues’ ailing attack. Coach Potter already made it clear that great hopes rested on the 23-year-old when he described the newcomer as “fantastic”.
Félix did not get the trust of his coach at Atlético recently. The relationship between him and his ex-coach Diego Simeone was broken. The Portuguese was rarely able to pull off top performances in Spain.
At Chelsea, Félix can focus on his strengths again. The attacker’s playing style fits perfectly with the Premier League club’s attacking, possession-oriented football.
In the otherwise harmless Chelsea offensive, Kai Havertz has so far been the dangerous attacker. The German international has five goals in the Premier League. There is also an assistant.
The 23-year-old is still set despite the large competition, some of which have been newly acquired. He has played 22 games in the league, starting 19 of them. Since the World Cup, he has always been allowed to play from the start.
Havertz’ advantage is his versatility. The all-rounder can act both as a center forward and as an attacking midfielder. He has even proven himself on the left or right flank.
Kai Havertz is an all-rounder at Chelsea
Wherever Havertz appears, it becomes extremely dangerous. BVB should also be aware of this. The former Leverkusen player shines as an executor, as a preparer, as a good header and also has a good understanding of the game.
With his skills, he can decide games single-handedly. He proved that in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City with his winning goal.
Chelsea’s showpiece this season is their defence. With 22 goals conceded in 22 Premier League games, the Blues share the third-best defensive line in the league with Manchester City.
Thiago Silva played a big part in this. Despite his 38 years, the Brazilian is still considered one of the best central defenders in the world.
With his outstanding positional play, the defensive boss successfully compensates for his speed deficit again and again. In addition, the veteran delegates his neighbors, gives instructions and pulls his teammates along.
Should Silva, who recently extended his contract by another year, also succeed against BVB, it will be difficult for Sébastian Haller and Co. to get through.
Lissy Beckonert