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Paul Merson delivers his assessment of the Chelsea squad this season | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 9:43 GMT by Sporting News
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The Context of a New Era

Merson begins by acknowledging the significant managerial shift that has shaped the team’s recent direction. Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment at the helm has introduced a new tactical philosophy, one that emphasizes high pressing, quick transitions, and a flexible defensive line. Pochettino’s experience at Tottenham and PSG brings a different mindset compared to the former managerial styles that preceded him. Merson points out that the coach’s arrival is already influencing squad selection and the roles of key players.

Defensive Backbone

The defender’s assessment focuses first on the backline. Merson notes that the core group of defenders—Terry White, Ben Chilwell, and Andreas Christensen—provides a solid mix of speed, aerial ability, and tactical discipline. He stresses the importance of a consistent center-back partnership, which has been a source of instability in the past. Merson cites Christensen’s recent improvement in positioning and his ability to contribute to the build‑up play as a bright spot. The article also highlights the defensive midfield role of John Malky, who serves as a shield for the back four and helps break up opposition attacks.

Midfield Depth and Creativity

The midfield section is where Merson points out both strengths and concerns. He commends Mason Mount for his technical skill and vision, while also emphasizing the need for a more robust presence in the center of the park. Malky’s role is described as a “deep‑lying playmaker,” but Merson argues that the team still lacks a dominant ball‑winning midfielder. The article mentions the arrival of N’Golo Kante on loan, who could fill that void, and discusses the potential impact of a new signing, such as the French midfielder Tiemoué Bakayoko, on the midfield dynamic.

Attack and Scoring Concerns

Scoring is a perennial issue for Chelsea, and Merson lays out a detailed evaluation of the forwards. He points out that the squad’s attacking depth has fluctuated, with several departures in the summer. Tammy Abraham and Romelu Lukaku are highlighted as the main goal‑scoring outlets, yet the article underlines the need for a consistent striking partner to support them. Merson also discusses the potential arrival of a striker like Randal Kolo Muani or the integration of new youth prospects like Ethan Hunt. The piece stresses the importance of tactical flexibility, noting that Pochettino’s system requires forwards to press from the front and to track back defensively.

Youth and the Future

Merson devotes a section to the Blues’ youth prospects and their role in the squad’s future. He highlights the progress of the academy players—such as Mason Mount’s cousin, Harry Mount, and a promising striker named Ben Foster—who are being integrated into senior training sessions. The article underscores the club’s long‑term strategy to build a team that can compete on multiple fronts, including the Champions League and the Premier League. Merson also touches on the need to balance experience with youth, citing the importance of players like Christian Pulisic in providing mentorship to younger teammates.

Transfer Outlook

One of the most compelling parts of the article is the transfer analysis. Merson summarizes the speculation around a potential transfer for N’Golo Kante to a top European club, while also discussing the possibility of a new striker from the Ligue 1 or Serie A. The piece references a link to an in‑depth breakdown of Chelsea’s transfer budget, which shows the club’s willingness to invest in both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Merson stresses that any new signings must adapt quickly to Pochettino’s high‑press system to be effective.

Final Thoughts

In closing, Merson provides a balanced outlook for Chelsea. He highlights the positives—solid defensive foundations, a dynamic midfield, and a clear tactical direction—while pointing out the areas needing reinforcement, such as defensive consistency and striking depth. His analysis concludes that the squad is on the cusp of a resurgence, but success will hinge on strategic signings, player adaptation, and a consistent performance under Pochettino’s leadership.

Overall, Merson’s assessment gives fans and analysts alike a roadmap of what to expect from Chelsea over the coming season, outlining the key challenges and opportunities that will define the club’s pursuit of domestic and European glory.