As part of the transfer frenzy madness, our writers are taking a look at other Premier League clubs and looking at which player, if they could only choose one – that they’d sign. First up is Chelsea..
I’d choose Nemanja Matic.
Another defensive midfielder in the squad is something of great importance, as an upgrade on the current back-up choices in the team – Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta. Matic would be the perfect kind of player to partner Francis Coquelin from time to time.
The Serbian, who re-signed for Chelsea in January 2014 after leaving the club 4 years ago, has the height and muscle to add more bite and steel to the base of the midfield, and has two Premier League medals two his name.
What I admire about Matic is that he’s a battler on the field – he’s strong, composed and assured in midfield. His contribution to Chelsea’s title triumph was massive, as he provided the balance in midfield alongside the creative Cesc Fabregas.
This is a similar formula to that of Arsenal’s Coquelin and Santi Cazorla in the second part of last season, who were both instrumental in the team’s revival. But when injuries occur, which they will in this team, another defensive minded body will be needed when rotating the team.
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It definitely won’t be Matic coming in to provide that presence this summer, but if I had my pick of who could be brought in from Stamford Bridge it would be this man above anyone else. At 26 years old, he’s at the perfect age as well – an age where most players are play at the peak and would continue playing for at least another 8 to 10 years.