The reigning Premier League champions Chelsea have made their way to North America for the International Champions Cup and there is no doubt the club will take a much different approach to this summer’s preseason schedule than a year ago.
Chelsea hasn’t been very busy in the transfer market thanks to a pretty stacked roster but there are important decisions that have to be made over the next couple of weeks. A big part of the equation will be based on how certain individuals perform in the ICC. Here is a look at the five players that need to impress for Chelsea at the International Champions Cup.
Juan Cuadrado
Midfielder
In spite of everything that Chelsea accomplished last season, there is no doubt that Cuadrado was a disappointment in his first year with the club. However, the star midfielder looked excellent playing for Colombia in the Copa America and the hope is that he can carry over that form in to the Premier League season. The Blues aren’t particularly deep in the midfield, so he has room to soak up some minutes. Considering his elite skill set. they would love to see Cuadrado deliver beginning with a strong performance in the ICC.
Felipe Luis
Defender
There has been a lot of talk about the potential for the Blues to move Luis after he was relegated to the bench behind Jose Mourinho’s preferred left back Cesar Azpilicueta. Luis is a solid defender but Azpilicueta has been that much better for the Blues and now it will be on Luis to earn his minutes. Luis should get an opportunity to show what he can do during the ICC and he will have to make the most out of the opportunity.
Radamel Falcao
Forward
The one striker on this list was the Blues’ most notable addition this summer. It’s one that Mourinho is hoping can lock down the No. 2 striker role behind Diego Costa this season. It wasn’t that long ago that Falcao was considered one of the top strikers in the world but he fell out of favor with Manchester United and will have to prove he deserves a bigger role at Chelsea. They scored 73 goals last season without him, so if he plays the way he can, they should be able to get to the 80’s. There is no doubt that Falcao has the skill set and he would help his cause with a strong performance at the ICC.
Asmir Begovic
Goalkeeper
Begovic proved what he can do with Stoke City but the pressure will be greater at Chelsea. With Thibaut Courtois locked in as the team’s undisputed No. 1, it will be on Begovic to prove that he deserves better than to be stapled to the bench as a backup. Begovic has the talent to challenge for the No. 1 job and while that likely won’t happen at least for this season, remember that Courtois was injured for a part of last season so Begovic has to prove he’s a capable backup. Chelsea allowed just 32 goals last season, which was the best number in the EPL, and Begovic will be trying to show that he can maintain that level of play whether it’s Courtois or him in net. A strong showing in the ICC could be the first impression he needs to earn himself more looks in the future.
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Midfielder
The 19-year-old was criticized mercilessly by Mourinho at the end of last season. That means he enters this year with something to prove after having his attitude and desire questioned by his manager. Mourinho clearly is trying to shake him up and get more out of him. Loftus-Cheek won’t be a starter this season and if he wants to earn a bigger role with the team, he will have to prove that he is up to the challenge beginning with the International Champions Cup.
