Chelsea possess an embarrassment of riches as far as playing personnel is concerned.
The English side has at least two quality players in every position on the pitch, coupled with the 26 players that the club currently have on loan at other clubs.
While this is a good thing for the club, the players might be negatively affected by the lack of playing time they get.
Although football players are generally fit, Match fitness is a whole different issue as players have to play competitive matches to improve their sharpness in match situations.
Also, when players spend time on the bench their value drops drastically, as clubs are not overly eager to invest in rusty and unfit players, no matter how talented they might be.
In this piece, we will be taking a look at players who might be looking at the exit door this January or during the summer window, due to a lack of involvement with the first team;
John Mikel Obi
The Nigerian has spent 10years at Chelsea, and in fairness to him has stayed for longer than most people thought he would, outlasting players like Makalele, Essien, Ballack and Thiago.
A recurring theme during his decade at the club has been an inability to grow beyond the player that many know that he is. Although the former Lynn Oslo midfielder is defensively solid, he doesn’t seem to offer more than just his defensive qualities.
The Nigerian has been accused of being too slow at helping the attack and his goal scoring has been absolutely nothing to write home about.
Obi’s position at the club is as threatened as it will ever be, with the acquisition of players such as Romelu, Van Ginkel and Cesc Fabregas. Not forgetting academy prospects like Nathan Ake, Chalobah and Lewis Baker, who are expected to feature more than usual this season.
Mohammed Salah
The Egyptian was undoubtedly the best player in the Swiss league and before he came to Chelsea, one of the best players on the continent. Since his move to the London club, the youngster has shown that a difference in the quality of the opposition should be essential in judging the true abilities of any player.
Salah has featured sparingly this season and has started one game in the Capitol one cup, and has generally not impressed in his numerous substitute appearances.
The winger will be looking for a way out sooner rather than later.
Petr Cech
The goal keeper was adjudged the best goal keeper in the league last year and was generally very solid in last year’s campaign. The return of Thibaut Courtois has relegated the Czech international to the bench and the former Chelsea number one will know that he can get a starting place at virtually any other European club he chooses to go to.
Ryan Bertrand
The left back is on loan at Southampton and is playing his best football ever. He has been on the fringes of the team for years hoping to take over from the legendary Ashley Cole. But Cole’s departure has seen the acquisition of Filipe Luis, who is sure to cement a place in the squad for a few years to come.
Victor Moses
The young Nigerian is one of the 26players on loan from Chelsea this season and has been one of the key contributors to Stoke City’s good form in recent matches. The youngster is likely to never break into the Chelsea first team, no matter how well he does on his loan spell.
Chelsea won’t miss these players, were they to eventually leave the club and it will be for the good of all parties involved, for their transfers to be sanctioned this season before their value plummets any further.
