The confetti has settled, the celebratory chants have faded, and the gleaming FIFA Club World Cup trophy now proudly resides in Chelsea`s Stamford Bridge cabinet. Having conquered Europe and the world (in a technical sense, at least), the natural question arises: what next for Enzo Maresca’s evolving side? For a club steeped in the “identity” of winning, as passionately articulated by academy product Levi Colwill, the logical, albeit formidable, next step is clear – the Premier League title.
Colwill`s sentiment, delivered in the afterglow of their triumphant 3-0 victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain, resonates deeply with the club`s storied past. “We`re a team, and that`s in the Chelsea identity,” he asserted, invoking the spirits of legends like John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Didier Drogba. The belief within the squad is palpable: they are “definitely capable” of reaching the pinnacle of English football. That dominant display against PSG, a performance characterized by aggression, organization, and fearlessness, certainly provided a compelling glimpse into their potential.
The Gleam of Gold: Momentum or Mirage?
Winning a major trophy, particularly one with “world” in its name, undoubtedly injects a powerful dose of momentum and confidence. The performance against PSG was indeed a high watermark, arguably their most complete display since their 2020-21 Champions League triumph. If Chelsea could replicate that intensity and tactical precision over a grueling 38-game Premier League season, the sky would indeed be the limit.
However, this is where the narrative pivots from aspirational to analytical. The unvarnished truth of last season`s Premier League campaign painted a starkly different picture. Chelsea found themselves a distant 15 points behind eventual champions Liverpool, scrapping for a top-five berth rather than contending for the ultimate prize. Their position in the third to fifth zone offered a more accurate reflection of their capabilities than the fleeting optimism of mid-season.
Statistically, the numbers underscore this inconsistency. While their defensive record, conceding 43 goals, was respectable – the third-best in the league – it wasn`t elite enough to compensate for a rather anemic attack that mustered only 64 goals. Their expected goal difference (xGD) of 21.16 paled in comparison to Liverpool`s and even trailed an injury-hit Arsenal. The brilliance against PSG, where they restricted a possession-dominant side to just 17 touches in their box, was an anomaly rather than a consistent standard. Against their Premier League top-four counterparts last season, Chelsea managed only one win (a notable 3-1 victory over an already celebrating Liverpool), drawing one and losing four.
The Cup Conundrum: A Blessed Path to Glory?
It is also worth noting the specific path Chelsea navigated in their cup successes. Their Conference League campaign was a straightforward romp, as expected of a club of their stature. The Club World Cup, while a prestigious title, also saw a degree of fortune in the draw. Benfica knocking out Bayern Munich, and then Al-Hilal and Fluminense clearing the path of Manchester City and Inter Milan, certainly eased their journey to the final. While their dismantling of PSG in the final was genuinely impressive, their semifinal opponents, Fluminense, were statistically rated by Opta as being on par with teams like Coventry City and Elche. Todd Boehly`s robust assessment of Chelsea as “a force to be reckoned with” might need a slight adjustment when viewed through this lens of comparative opponent strength.
The Transfer Market: A Question of Ambition?
Momentum, while valuable, must be weighed against practical realities, particularly the five-week hiatus before the 2025-26 season kicks off. And while the natural progression of a young squad suggests improvement, their transfer business raises pertinent questions. Joao Pedro, for instance, started brightly in pre-season, but a closer look at his Premier League numbers (10 goals from 58 matches over two seasons, averaging 0.3 xG per 90, excluding penalties) suggests he`s yet to hit the consistent elite level required of a title contender. Nicolas Jackson, linked with Manchester United and AC Milan, posted better figures (24 goals, 0.55 xG per 90), but the comparison with top-tier strikers remains crucial. Similarly, Jamie Gittens replacing Noni Madueke on the left wing, while offering a fresh option, looks like a like-for-like swap rather than a significant upgrade.
This approach feels curious for a club with fresh Club World Cup prize money in its coffers. There`s a compelling argument to momentarily deviate from the strategy of acquiring promising $70 million youngsters and instead invest in established, star-quality players. Imagine a Chelsea side swapping out a solid striker for a Victor Osimhen-level talisman, anchoring their defense with an elite center-back, and bringing in a truly upper-echelon goalkeeper. Such targeted, high-impact acquisitions could transform them from a team with potential into one that ticks every box for a serious title challenge.
The Untapped Potential: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite these critical observations, the future still gleams with undeniable talent. With Moises Caicedo as their midfield anchor and Cole Palmer as their primary creative spark, Chelsea possesses a formidable core. Surrounding them are fine constituent parts like Reece James, Marc Cucurella, and Enzo Fernandez. The ingredients for a genuinely excellent team are certainly present. Chelsea is not astronomically far from entering the Premier League title conversation. The missing piece, it appears, might not be a lack of talent on the field, but rather a strategic shift in their recruitment department to make those optimal moves.
Ultimately, the high watermark of Chelsea`s recent performance – the dominant victory over the champions of Europe – offers compelling reason to believe in the vision Enzo Maresca is trying to instill. However, for the world champions to realistically aspire to be the best team in their homeland, that level of performance will need to be sustained, not just occasionally glimpsed. The journey from cup glory to league dominance is paved with consistency, tactical evolution, and perhaps, a bolder approach in the transfer market.