Time to evaluate Chelsea's new signings this season - A massive 40% of Antonio Conte's squad.

With the transfer deadline now closed, it’s time to have a look at our new signings this season and to evaluate Antonio Conte’s squad -  I think we have done well, I really do.

OK, so Chelsea have not gone all out and spent ridiculous money on players this month as the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United (Sanchez wages) and Arsenal have, but in my opinion, have made three shred signings for around £55m that fill the holes within Antonio Conte’s squad as we head into the final third of the season.

What is important to point out here, is that of our squad of twenty- five players, we have brought in nine new signings in addition to Andreas Christensen taking the figure to ten. That’s 40% of our playing squad, an incredible number if you think about it considering we won the Premier League last season.

Willy Caballero. 

Willy has played well when asked of him this season considering he was more than happy to come to Chelsea as number two behind Thibaut Courtois. I always question the desire of players when they accept that role but he has delivered impressive performances – sometimes erratic but has also made important saves for us.

Toni Rudiger. 

I have to say that I really like the German defender. He has come into the side while still trying to understand what his role is under Conte and what is expected of him. He is strong in the tackle, is quick off the mark and seems to be OK with the ball at this feet. He will continue to improve.

Andreas Christensen.

What is there to say about him that has not already been said? Outstanding so far and last night is big blow for us with his hamstring. We hope that he will not be out for too long. He plays with such a level of maturity beyond his years with added composure that David Luiz finds himself benched.

Davide Zappacosta.

It will take the Italian until next season before we really see him settled down at Chelsea. He has shown glimpses of what he is capable of in attack down our right-hand side and started his career off here with an excellent goal. The jury is out if we are honest defensively but again, will reserve the right to judge next season.

Emerson Palmieri.

We finally have cover for Marcos Alonso and in the Brazilian-born Italian, we could have unearthed another gem following in the footsteps of Alonso. Many of us have to admit that we do not know too much about him but in saying that, what I have seen of him he looks a good option. He looks good with the ball at his feet, willing to get forward to attack but also sturdy in the tackle. Don't expect too much too soon, next season will be his time.

Danny Drinkwater.

An excellent signing in my opinion but not yet claimed a regular start under Antonio Conte. Underrated by many, Drinkwater offers us stability in midfield in addition to being good with the ball at his feet. A willing worker, team-player Drinkwater should in my opinion be selected week in, week out between now and the end of the season alongside N’Golo Kante with Antonio Conte players others around the two of them.

Ross Barkley. 

It’s far too soon to judge Ross Barkley for two reasons. Firstly, he has just recovered from a severe injury which has prevented him for playing any competitive football this season before he signed for us. Secondly, he needs time to adjust to how we play and to learn Antonio Conte’s idea of football. Mark my words however, Ross Barkley will come a key player for Chelsea as he offers us the box-to-box midfield option we have been lacking since Frank Lampard left us.

Tiemoue Bakayoko.

An undoubted talent but we are yet to see the best of the Frenchman at Chelsea. There have been games when we have seen glimpses that he is better than Nemanja Matic where we have seen him impose himself in midfield, but others when the game seems to pass him by. Once again, we must accept that he is still adjusting to life in England and under Antonio Conte. Next season we expect big things.

Alvaro Morata. 

Love him and believe he is an outstanding talent who made such an impressive start for us. Has scored all sorts of goals and demonstrated his ability to lead the line with signs that he has developed an important understanding with Eden Hazard. He offers us a much more mobile option up front and we have missed him badly since he has been out injured. Believe me when I say this, he will score 20-30 goals in every season he remains a Chelsea player.

Olivier Giroud.

An excellent signing for Chelsea and finally gives us what we have been looking for since Diego Costa left – a focal point up front and that physical presence we have been lacking. Chelsea are built to play with that focal point at the head of our attack. We play the ball up to him and play off him, we also look for them to get goals and this guy does both. He has come here to challenge Alvaro Morata and is available to play in the three competitions we have left this season. He will prove to be a steal at £18m.

Conclusion. 

So, there you have my opinion on our new signings and the shred business Chelsea have completed for this season. Remember, these players equate to 40% of our squad and to find ourselves where we are this season should hopefully put things into perspective for some of the detractors out there.

What’s your view on our new signings so far and what do you think they could offer Chelsea moving forward?