This season was supposed to be one of progress for Chelsea, one in which they got closer to the top of the Premier League.
It looked like that would be the case for some time, but over the last month, everything has gone wrong, and the defeat to Fulham on Wednesday night was the perfect encapsulation of everything.
New boss Liam Rosenior has one almighty job on his hands, and to stand any chance of succeeding in West London, he needs more experience and quality in his squad.
Liam Rosenior with Strasbourg
Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, he may well get that, as Chelsea are being linked with someone who could be their new Thiago Silva.
Chelsea eye their new Silva
There is no doubt that Chelsea have a squad full to bursting with talented players, be that Cole Palmer, Estevao, Moises Caicedo, Reece James or Andrey Santos.
However, the Blues also lack experience and know-how, which is hardly surprising given they have the youngest starting lineup in the league.
So, if Rosenior wants to achieve great things at Stamford Bridge, he'll need to add some missing experience with new signings, which might well happen this month.
RC Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior is interviewed before the match
At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are interested in Antonio Rüdiger.
Yes, according to the story, there is currently no agreement between the player and Real Madrid over a new contract, and with his current one ending in the summer, the Spanish club are now open to selling.
The exciting news for the Stamford Bridge faithful is that the report claims the Blues are 'keeping a close eye on his situation' alongside the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and teams from the Saudi Pro League.
Should Los Blanco sell, the story states they'd be willing to do so for €10m, which is about £9m.
antonio-rudiger-real-madrid
It would be a surprising move and not one inkeeping with their recent transfer strategy, but Chelsea should do what they can to bring Rüdiger back to the Bridge this season - he could be their new Silva.
Why Rüdiger would be Chelsea's new Silva
Now, while they aren't identical players, there are some quite apparent reasons why Rüdiger could become Chelsea's next Silva should he return to West London.
Thiago Silva-1
The most significant is that it would be another example of the club bringing in a veteran defender towards the end of their career to shore up their backline.
For example, the German is currently 32 years old, and when the Brazilian made his move to the Bridge in the summer of 2020, he was 35.
Moreover, the former Blues player would be rejoining the club from Spain's biggest club, and Silva made his move from the most dominant side in Ligue 1.
Another parallel would be that the Real Madrid ace would likely come in and instantly become one of the club's best defenders. After all, he has already been heralded as one of "the best defenders in the world" by former teammate Mesut Özil.
Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger arrives at the stadium before the match
For example, FBref ranks the 32-year-old in the top 5% of defenders in La Liga this season for pass completion, the top 7% for goal-creating actions and carries, the top 12% for passes received, the top 13% for percentage of dribblers challenged and more, all per 90.
Furthermore, as the former PSG star did, the Berlin-born "monster," as dubbed by content creator YounesTalksFootball, would add so much leadership and know-how to the team.
Rüdiger's expereince
Team
Chelsea
Real Madrid
Germany
Stuttgart
Roma
All Stats via Transfermarkt
After all, he's made 203 appearances for the Blues, 164 for Real Madrid, 80 for Stuttgart, 72 for Roma and won 81 senior caps for Germany.
More importantly, he's also won the lot, including two Champions League titles, the FA Cup, the Spanish Cup, the Club World Cup and La Liga.
rudiger
Ultimately, it would be a surprising move, but one Chelsea have to make as Rüdiger would massively improve their side and give Rosenior the best chance of success.
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