In his first season as the manager of a Premier League club, Frank Lampard has done commendably well to get Chelsea off to a strong start in their quest for a top 4 finish. The Blues were hit with a transfer ban and also lost their talismanic winger Eden Hazard but the former English midfielder has worked well with the youth at his disposal, winning 14 points from their first eight games of the league season.
They resemble a strong side at the moment and the form of their front line has a lot to do with it. They have been shaky at the back but defensive organization takes time and Lampard will know that. But who have been Chelsea’s best players so far this season?
Here is the best XI for Chelsea so far in the current campaign
(4-2-3-1)
Defence
The Blues have shipped 14 goals so far this campaign, less than just three other sides in the competition. Kepa Arrizabalaga has not been at his best but remains the best choice for Lampard under the bar.
Young Fikayo Tomori has probably been the most impressive defender for Chelsea so far this season. Having proven himself against the likes of Mohamed Salah recently, Tomori finds a place in this side at the back. Lampard will stick with Antonio Rudiger when available but the German is suffering from a niggle from the start of the season and has made just one start so far. This has left the manager with Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen as his only options at the back alongside Tomori.
Christensen was decent against sides that sit back deep but it is Kurt Zouma who has shown more mettle at the back, against the tougher opponents. Zouma, however, may not keep his place in the side once Rudiger returns.
Cesar Azpilicueta has little competition for his place at right-back. The Spaniard also needs to step up to improve Chelsea’s defence. Emerson Palmieri has been impressive at the back. But Marcos Alonso, who has two assists and 1.4 key passes per game has been more effective and finds a place at left-back.
Midfield
Lampard has used Jorginho in the no.6 role and the former Serie A star has done well to provide cover for the backline. He will keep his place in this side alongside N’Golo Kante, who has two goals and is slowly starting to find his feet in a more advanced role.
Kante and Jorginho in a two-man midfield give Lampard the most balanced XI at Stamford Bridge.
Attack
With eight goals in seven starts so far this season, Tammy Abraham is the top goal scorer in the top flight going into the international break. He has been at the top of his game recently and is the best striker at Lampard’s disposal.
Young Mason Mount has also been effective, registering four goals and creating 2.1 chances per game. He deserves to keep his place in the no.10 role. Willian and Pedro have both been used on the right-wing but the Brazilian, who missed the first few games for the side, has shown more promise.
Willian has a goal and an assist to his name and will start on the right flank in this best XI. Callum Hudson-Odoi has two assists in just 104 minutes of league action. He pushed Christian Pulisic out of the side, to complete Chelsea’s Best XI so far this campaign.
