Why Keeping Cesc Fabregas Is a Key Early Task for Antonio Conte at Chelsea

Two summers ago, Chelsea were rapid when they signed Cesc Fabregas ahead of the World Cup. Along with the arrival of Diego Costa shortly after, it was the moment many claimed won them the 2014/15 title.

Chelsea’s slick approach in the transfer market had put them streets ahead of their rivals. Jose Mourinho had identified the holes in his squad that needed filling to perfect his formula, and before anyone around them could react, Chelsea had stolen the lead.

Now Antonio Conte must do something similar if he’s to enjoy the same levels of success in his first year as Chelsea boss.

With Chelsea sitting mid-table and continuing to struggle, it doesn’t take a manager of the Italian’s class to highlight how things have gone desperately wrong for the club this season.

For the first time since 1996/97, the Blues have shipped more than 50 Premier League goals. They’ve been largely ineffective going forward, too.

Conte has much to do defensively, namely finding John Terry’s long-term replacement. Added to that, some mettle is required to bolster a weak midfield that has contributed heavily to that unwanted defensive record.

Not only would that act to provide a more solid base at the back, it would bring the best out of Cesc Fabregas. Of all the business Chelsea do this summer, restoring Fabregas as the fulcrum of the team needs to be addressed.

Too often we’ve seen the Spaniard dragged into defensive duties that have never been part of his game.

In the team’s structure, any player is called upon to defend at times. That’s a reality, yet for Fabregas, he’s been exposed more often than he should have been.

Nemanja Matic’s terrible campaign has contributed significantly to that. In 2014/15, Chelsea’s balance in the middle worked, as it was Matic who shouldered the dirty aspects of the …

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