While raw footballing ability and natural talent provides the foundation of every great football team, you cannot put a price on experience.
Chelsea have one of the most promising young squads you’re likely to find anywhere in Europe, but at the foundation of it are experienced, successful, winners.
We’re talking the likes of Pedro, a serial Champions League winner, Olivier Giroud, a World Cup winner, Cesar Azpilicueta, a two-time Premier League winner.
The experience is a useful asset – and it shows.
It’s exactly why we will be a force to be reckoned with in Europe this season, even if we will fly under the radar. Our European record from last time around speaks volumes.
0 – Chelsea didn’t lose a single match in European competition in 2018-19, winning 12 and drawing three of their 15 matches in the UEFA Europa League on the way to winning the final and qualifying for the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League. Admission. pic.twitter.com/RGIjeHFR8y
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 17, 2019
Of course, this was at Europa League level, but we beat several strong sides on our way to the final, before brushing aside Arsenal and lifting the trophy.
Underestimate us at your own risk this season…