For the past few days, we have been taking a look at how each of the big clubs in the upcoming FIFA 16 could be rated, based on how the players performed in the last season. We have already carried out such an exercise on Arsenal and Manchester United, and this time around, we are looking at league champions Chelsea.
Chelsea had a blast this year during their season campaign, finishing quite some way over runners-up Manchester City in the race to the title.
Although Jose Mourinho and his men have been criticized time and again of "parking the bus" to see out games, they still remain a force to contend with next season, especially with player-of-the -season Eden Hazard in their ranks.
That being said, how do you think the entire Chelsea team will be rated once FIFA 16 officially hits stores later this year?
Here goes our predicted ratings for each player in the squad for the upcoming game.
FIFA 16 – Chelsea Player Ratings Predicted
Jamal Blackman – GK – Predicted Rating: 60 – Blackman, 21, was actually next in line to be the second choice goalkeeper for Chelsea after Petr Cech made his high-profile move to Arsenal. However, with Chelsea already confirming the signing of Asmir Begovic, Blackman will probably be loaned out.
Todd Kane – Right Back – Predicted Rating: 65 – Kane (not Harry) joined Chelsea at under-8 level and progressed through the youth system at the club. The 21-year old was sent off to Nottingham Forest on loan last season, although he never really made his mark, making just eight Championship appearances. Kane will probably be loaned out again this season.
Dominic Solanke – Forward – Predicted Rating: 65 – Solanke is one of the talented young lads in the Chelsea ranks who has been rated pretty highly by fans and the club alike. And if you like crunching numbers, note that Solanke hit 12 goals in 11 UEFA Youth League matches last season, aside another 13 goals in 19 Under-21 Premier League games – Oh, and he's just 17.
John Obi Mikel – Midfielder – Predicted Rating: 77 – Nigerian Mikel has been around in Chelsea since 2006, but there are chances that he might be sold before the start of next season, as he is no longer considered a first team starter for Chelsea anymore. This is the same player that Chelsea fought to sign against Manchester United.
Kurt Zouma – Centre Back – Predicted Rating: 76 – Zouma made good with the break he got in the Chelsea first team last term for the entire period. Jose Mourinho seems pretty impressed with the Frenchman's presence in the team, and is a capable player, even to hold the midfield.
Andreas Christensen – Defender – Predicted Rating: 60 – The Dane was sent out on loan to play for German side Borussia Mönchengladbach to gather first team experience before he can feature in the Chelsea first team. Christensen has featured regularly in Chelsea's youth team, although it will require something miraculous to push for a first team place.
Kenneth Omeruo – Centre Back/Right Back – Predicted Rating: 69 – Omeruo may not see much change in his rating from last time around, although the young Nigerian enjoyed regular football at Middlesbrough in the first half of last season, but missing out the later part of the campaign.
Filipe Luis – Left Back – Predicted Rating: 80 – It was quite a shock when Brazilian Luis decided to join Chelsea from Atletico, even though knowing that Jose Mourinho would rather opt for Cesar Azpilicueta as a regular, thus losing all the momentum he once gathered in La Liga under Diego Simeone.
John Swift – Midfielder – Predicted Rating: 61 – Although Swift, 20, enjoyed some first team action last season with Rotherham, he still has a long way to go before he can break into the Chelsea first team. Swift will probably embrace the same fate as most Chelsea youngsters do – will be sold or loaned out.
Branislav Ivanovic – Defender – Predicted Rating: 83 – Serbian powerhouse Ivanovic is probably one of the best right backs in the English league at the moment. He is a versatile defender who usually plays at right-back or as a right-sided centre back. Apart from that, he scores crucial goals and is an integral part of the team.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – Midfielder – Predicted Rating: 70 – Loftus-Cheek may finally be the Chelsea youth player who has shown enough calibre to break into the first team. The 19-year old emerged in the scene at the business end of last season, and will remain with Chelsea for some time now.
Juan Cuadrado – Winger – Predicted Rating: 80 – Known for his direct style of play, including pace on and off the ball, as well as dribbling skills, Colombian Cuadrado arrived at the Bridge in January. However, things didn't work out for his as planned and could be leaving the London club before the start of the new season.
Patrick Bamford – Forward – Predicted Rating: 71 – Bamford, 21, may have had an impressive season with Middlesbrough last season scoring 17 goals for the Championship side. However, that doesn't change the fact that he will face an uphill task, breaking into the Chelsea first team with the likes of Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa waiting. He's likely to be loaned out before the start of the season.
Loic Remy – Striker/Winger – Predicted Rating: 80 – Described by his former manager Didier Deschamps as "a young international who is fast and powerful with huge potential," Remy proved to be an effective super-sub, scoring goals coming off the bench. More is expected from the Frenchman this year, provided he's not sold off like the reports have claimed.
Nathaniel Chalobah – Midfielder/Defender – Predicted Rating: 68 – Chalobah may already be an England U-21 regular at this point, but may still not have enough in the locker to challenge for a first team place for Chelsea. Again, like most others, is sure to be loaned out next term.
Oscar – Attacking Midfielder – Predicted Rating: 82 – Oscar has had a 2014-15 worth forgetting, with a questionable form. However, Jose Mourinho may still have plans for the Brazilian, rather than selling him off to some other club.
Marco Van Ginkel – Midfielder – Predicted Rating: 75 – Van Ginkel has been unfortunate enough not to show his potential, owing to the injuries that have threatened his Chelsea career, similar to the time he was loaned to AC Milan last term. However, more momentum is expected from the Dutch youngster this season.
Ramires – Midfielder – Predicted Rating: 81 – Ramires may have joined Chelsea back in 2010, but he experienced a turbulent couple of years under Jose, since the Portuguese is all about fielding a settled side. Made most of his appearances for Chelsea last term from the bench, and the same is expected this season.
Cesc Fabregas – Midfielder – Predicted Rating: 85 – He may not be dearer to his previous Arsenal fans anymore, but the Spaniard has made quite the impact during his second stint in London with Chelsea – although his form did take a blow in the last part of the season.
John Terry – Centre Back – Predicted Rating: 83 – Chelsea's Captain Incredible, JT is a commanding figure who drives the entire team. Although he's in his mid-30s, Terry is still very much looking like he's up for a season or two, and more so after he penned a new one-year deal recently.
Thibaut Courtois – GK – Predicted Rating: 87 – Courtois was the main reason why Petr Cech made his move across London. The young Belgian is already one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and has already showed his class while on loan at Atletico Madrid in the La Liga.
Willian – Winger – Predicted Rating: 83 – Willian may have the potential to break any defence in the league with his skills and trickery, but none of those came into the limelight with a mixed last season for the Brazilian, scoring only 4 goals and making 5 assists in all competitions.
Gary Cahill – Centre Back – Predicted Rating: 81 – Noted for his technical ability and distribution, and occasionally, for his finishing prowess, and strength with his head, Cahill has managed to strike up quite the partnership with captain John Terry in defence. Cahill may not be the most important player in the squad, but his presence remains to be a deciding factor.
Cesar Azpilicueta – Full Back – Predicted Rating: 83 – Simply, of the best Chelsea has in its ranks, at the moment. Azpilicueta moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2012, winning the Europa League in his first season, and a domestic double two years later.
Nemanja Matic – Defensive Midfielder – Predicted Rating: 85 – Widely applauded for his consistently good performances on the pitch and regarded by many as one of the best defensive midfielders of world football, Matic is one of the best defensive midfielders available in Europe at the moment. The Serbian was one of the main reasons why Chelsea managed to win the league so convincingly last term.
Diego Costa – Striker – Predicted Rating: 87 – Costa may be one of the angriest players around, but has turned out to be the perfect striker, owing to the way Chelsea plays its football. He enjoyed a fantastic first season in England, but was injured in the later half of the year.
Radamel Falcao – Striker – Predicted Rating: 83 – It isn't a sound advice to judge a player on an overall by his last season, but Falcao will look to exorcise his demons of OT and start afresh in the league with Chelsea. Chelsea may have takena huge gamble on him, but could Jose bring the best out of the man this term?
Eden Hazard – Attacking Midfielder/Winger – Predicted Rating: 90 – Often ranked by coaches, colleagues, and commentators as one of the best players in the world, Belgian Hazard was voted the best player in the country by his peers. He was the most important player in Chelsea's surge to the top of the table, with the uncanny knack of creating and scoring goals out of nothing.
Stay tuned for more updates!
