Three time PL winner starts in 4-3-3: Chelsea’s XI if they’d kept their young stars

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Chelsea’s current squad is the envy of most clubs across Europe, but every football fan can’t help think what if we kept hold of ‘X’ player.

It’s a common observation that the Blues have made several mistakes over the years selling players, especially youngsters.

The Chelsea Chronicle has compiled together a starting line-up made up young stars that were all previously let go or sold.

Goalkeeper and defence

A tough start to this fantasy XI with the goalkeeper spot, which doesn’t have any glaring errors like other areas of the pitch. Birmingham City’s shot-stopper Neil Etheridge, who was on Chelsea’s books in their academy, is selected. He’s enjoyed a very strong career in the Championship, as well as a brief stint in the Premier League.

It’s a back four that begins with Tariq Lamptety at right-back. It’s been no surprise to see the 21-year-old shine since joining Brighton, but his path at Stamford Bridge was blocked by current Blues star Reece James.

It’s a centre-back partnership of Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi, who’ve both been sold recently.

AC Milan’s Tomori, 24, played in the first team at Stamford Bridge during Frank Lampard’s reign. He’s now excelling as a key figure for Italian giants Milan.

For Guehi, he’s recently made a senior England debut and is starring for rivals Crystal Palace.

Finally, Manchester City’s versatile defender Nathan Ake slots into the team at left-back. He played 17 first-team games for Chelsea as a youngster before leaving permanently to join Bournemouth.

Midfield

It’s a star-studded midfield trio the Blues could have if they’d not got rid of youngsters.

Man City superstar Kevin De Bruyne, who left the Blues in 2014, has made the club massively regret allowing his exit. He’s a Premier League all-time great that the Blues simply didn’t persist with for long enough and he’s won the league crown three times with City.

West Ham’s Declan Rice, who is constantly linked with a return to Chelsea, played in the club’s academy without making it to the first team. The England international anchors the midfield in this fantasy XI, which on paper would do very well in the Premier League.

Finally, Bayern Munich teenager Jamal Musiala completes the midfield. The 19-year-old is another that was developed in the academy at Cobham, which is why it’s tough to see him grow into an important first-team player with Bayern.

Attack

First of all, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah takes a spot on the right wing. The Egyptian attacker, who’s now regarded by most as one of the world’s very best players, left Stamford Bridge at the age of 24. He scored two goals in 19 Chelsea appearances. Just imagine him in this team right now, though.

Tammy Abraham spearheads the attack in this line-up. The 24-year-old striker only left last summer to join Italian club Roma, something which many are already calling a mistake. He’s scored 23 goals in 40 Roma appearances, and is now reportedly worth £100million.

Finally, Jeremie Boga completes the side. A product of the Blues academy, he was eventually sold in 2018 after a string of loan spells. He’s a pacey wide player making a name for himself in Italy, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return to England one day.

Final line-up

Etheridge
Lamptey Tomori Guehi Ake
De Bruyne Rice Musiala
Salah Abraham Boga

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