Premier League profile 2015/16: Chelsea

Whether or not Chelsea can seize the young Englishman from Everton, full back relief is another priority that could ease the burden of Mourinho’s ageing backline.

Augsburg’s Abdul Rahman Baba, a gung-ho Ghanaian left back currently bombing down the flanks in the Bundesliga, is reportedly close to a west London arrival and could shake-up Chelsea’s defensive selection in a way now departed Filipe Luis failed to.

Complacency could well become the Blues’ biggest stumbling block, though, and there were hints of that in the Community Shield clash. Chelsea expect to win even when falling behind and many of Mourinho’s players practically pick themselves, while the formation is always predictable with a lone frontman.

Subtle changes can refresh a team more than any transfer, so the ‘Special One’ could benefit from loosening the reins on his attacking players this term. They have little to lose but much to gain by such a move.

On the wing, Willian, increasingly influential out wide but still lacking end product, and twinkle-toed Eden Hazard, even on an off day, are automatic starters.

Egypt attacker Mohamed Salah is as good as gone but, if Juan Cuadrado and surprisingly Victor Moses are to have any semblance of a Stamford Bridge future, they must show quickly that they are viable alternatives.

With this being Chelsea, it seems foolhardy to be excited about the prospect of seeing Brazilian youngsters Nathan and Kenedy pulling on a Blues shirt anytime soon. Although, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could add real dynamism and, if Mourinho wants a player other than underrated Oscar to partner first picks Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic in midfield, the youngster should eventually offer more than either Ramires and John Obi Mikel.

In attack, meanwhile, without dangerman Diego Costa, the Blues lack serious bite up top and, as of yet, two successive summer back-ups in Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao do not look to be up to the task of understudy.

Colombia leading scorer Falcao, of course, deserves time to prove his merits and should not be judged on one poor cameo. If he can get back to his best, and that is a big if, Mourinho will be heralded as a hero.

The Blues, 8/1 to win the Champions League, cannot afford to toss points away in the meantime, though, and may struggle to break down stubborn opponents if they cannot get their forwards firing on all cylinders. Before teams figure out how to frustrate the champions, Mourinho must upset the apple cart.