Chelsea's dream team for the 2024-2025 season

Chelsea is close to successfully recruiting Pedro Neto from Wolves for £54 million. The winger will move from Molineux to Stamford Bridge as the Blues continue to strengthen their attack. The Portuguese player will be the next in Chelsea's record long list of new recruits under Todd Boehly.

Neto will provide another option on the flanks for new coach Enzo Maresca. The Italian strategist is still in the process of getting used to the squad after succeeding Mauricio Pochettino. In that context, Chelsea also recruited Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Maresca's former student at Leicester City.

The pre-season did not go too smoothly for Maresca and his students. Overall, the Blues did not play too badly, but the results were mostly defeats in friendly matches in the US. However, Maresca will also learn some lessons, such as making the most of Christopher Nkunku's talent in attack.

The French striker joined the Blues last summer, but did not contribute much last season due to injury. Nkunku had an excellent time playing at Leipzig before moving to Chelsea. And after an impressive pre-season, it's time for Nkunku to prove his worth.

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer will be one of the few players guaranteed a starting spot at Chelsea next season. The England international was the Blues' most prominent star last season and also had an impressive EURO 2024. Combined with Neto on the opposite flank, these two players will help Chelsea create a significant threat.

Dewsbury-Hall can also be trusted by Maresca as an attacking midfielder. Below this player will be Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea's expensive but yet-to-be-proven rookies. With Romeo Lavia, the Belgian midfielder will need to put in much more effort if he wants to break into the main team.

Chelsea's defense came under criticism from Maresca, who lamented the habits his players had picked up since Pochettino last season. The Blues will no longer have Thiago Silva next season when the veteran Brazilian midfielder has left. This is the time when Levi Colwill needs to show his leadership role in the Blues' defense.

Malo Gusto was one of Chelsea's brightest players last season and will likely continue to be a starter. Meanwhile, Maresca will expect Reece James to be fully fit for the new campaign.