Chelsea have endured a strange pre-season campaign during a summer disrupted by the World Cup and new manager drama.
Antonio Conte took a couple of training sessions before being told he was no longer needed, allowing former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri to finally arrive.
Friendlies, including wins over Perth Glory and Inter Milan, and a Community Shield final defeat to Manchester City followed. But what did we learned from Chelsea’s pre-season campaign? Here are five thoughts.
1. Callum Hudson-Odoi is a star in the making
There are two sides to that statement; Chelsea clearly have one for the future in 17-year-old Hudson-Odoi, but the ‘in the making’ part should be emphasised.
After a couple, stunning displays during Chelsea’s International Champions Cup campaign, the teenager was rewarded with a start in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
He was substituted after 59 minutes following a difficult afternoon. In fairness, he was up against the best right-back in the country, Kyle Walker, who appears to be one of the only defenders who can keep up with Hudson-Odoi.
The fact he plays in Eden Hazard’s position also won’t help his immediate first-team chances. But the winger will hope he has done enough to play a part from the bench this season.
And with Hazard’s Chelsea future still the subject of speculation, Hudson-Odoi could be used more regularly sooner rather than later.
2. Alvaro Morata is still lacking confidence
After starting last season brilliantly upon his arrival from Real Madrid, Morata fell off towards the end of the campaign and ended 2017/18 with just 11 Premier League goals.
The 25-year-old was subsequently left out of Spain’s World Cup squad. And if his pre-season form is anything to go by, there are no tangible signs of his confidence returning.
His performance against Arsenal in Dublin was indicative of his troubles in front of goal. Morata missed a spot-kick in normal time and was generally below-par as Chelsea lost 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The Spaniard also struggled against Manchester City in the Community Shield, particularly when compared to Sergio Aguero, who looked assured and convincing at the opposite end of the pitch.
Chelsea haven’t signed another striker, so Morata will at least be given the chance to play himself into form – unless Sari prefers Olivier Giroud.
3. ‘Sarri-ball’ may take time to implement properly
Sarri’s Napoli side was renowned for playing attractive football, something Chelsea likely identified when deciding on their next manager.
In order for his philosophy to work, Sarri requires his players to play specific roles, and those roles take a while to determine and master.
For that reason, so far Sarri’s Chelsea have looked far from able to replicate Napoli’s flowing football of last season. That’s completely understandable, of course, considering how recently Sarri arrived.
Once the Italian has decided exactly who will fill each role in his starting line-up, we should see the Blues begin to play the brand of attacking football Sarri became known for in Serie A.
Until then, patience will be required from the Stamford Bridge faithful if early results are inconsistent.
4. The importance of Eden Hazard is undeniable
Despite Hudson Odoi’s impressive pre-season displays, Chelsea have lacked the star quality from wide and in the final third that Hazard has so often supplied over the years.
The Belgian, who only returned to training on Monday after his country’s World Cup exploits, is a crucial player for Chelsea, something that is highlighted as much when he doesn’t play as when he does.
It looks like the Londoners have fended off reported interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, and Hazard will stay at the club for the 2018/19 season.
That’s a huge boost for Sarri, who will require Hazard to be fit and firing as soon as possible due to Chelsea’s lack of a prolific striker and absence of a goal threat in midfield.
The 27-year-old was given a huge ovation when he came on for his first pre-season minutes against Lyon – the Chelsea fans appear to rightly recognise his importance.
5. Ethan Ampadu stands out among fringe players against Lyon
Following the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City, Chelsea played a final friendly against Lyon at Stamford Bridge.
A number of fringe players were given the opportunity to impress ahead of Chelsea’s season-opener at Huddersfield Town on Saturday, including 17-year-old centre-back Ampadu.
The teenager produced a display beyond his years in the goalless draw (Chelsea won 5-4 on penalties). His commanding performance was hugely impressive, and Sarri may be tempted to use him regularly in the Europa League this term.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek also impressed, although his driving runs were often let down by a lack of final product.
Tammy Abraham, on the other hand, didn’t do enough to convince Sarri he is a worthy option up front ahead of Morata or Giroud.