The numbers don’t lie
Forty-three names on the squad sheet. Eight defenders who could start tomorrow. Fifteen midfielders fighting for three spots. Ten forwards, half of them teenagers with something to prove. Chelsea’s 2025/26 roster isn’t just big – it’s a small village, and right now that village is sitting fifth in the Premier League, breathing down the necks of the usual suspects.
Twenty-one games in, they’ve scored 34 goals, conceded 24, and collected 31 points. Not title-winning numbers, but not far off either. The real story isn’t the points; it’s how they’re getting them. No single player has more than five league goals. Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens lead with five each, but after that it’s a scattergun of contributions – João Pedro with four, Enzo Fernández chipping in from midfield, even Levi Colwill popping up with a couple. That’s not luck. That’s depth.
The goalkeeper merry-go-round
Robert Sánchez is still the number one, but ask him how many times he’s been rested this season and he’ll probably lose count. Filip Jörgensen has started cup games, Gabriel Slonina’s had his moments, and there’s always some academy kid warming the bench just in case. Four goalkeepers, zero panic when one gets a knock. That’s luxury.
Defence: too many cooks, or just enough?
Reece James is back, finally, but he’s not starting every game. Why would he? Marc Cucurella’s been solid, Tosin Adarabioyo’s filled in when Fofana’s been injured, and Levi Colwill’s looking like the real deal. Then there’s Aaron Anselmino, the 19-year-old Argentine who’s already played more minutes than anyone expected. And if all else fails, Malo Gusto can slot in at right-back or even on the wing.
The problem isn’t finding someone to play – it’s keeping everyone happy. Cucurella’s already got more yellow cards than he’d like, and Fofana’s still working his way back to full fitness. But injuries? Barely a blip. That’s the payoff.
Midfield: where chaos meets control
Fifteen midfielders. Fifteen. Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo are the main men, but after that it’s a free-for-all. Cole Palmer’s drifted back from attack, Roméo Lavia’s finally showing why Chelsea paid so much for him, and Pedro Neto’s been a revelation on the left. Then there’s Dario Essugo, the 19-year-old Portuguese kid who looks like he’s been playing in the Premier League for years, not months.
The rotation’s been brutal. No one’s played every minute, and that’s kept everyone fresh. But it’s also meant some weird selections – players like Andrey Santos getting minutes ahead of more experienced heads. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. But with this many options, the manager can afford to take risks.
Forwards: young, hungry, and everywhere
Nicolas Jackson’s had his moments, but he’s not the focal point anymore. Neither is Christopher Nkunku, who’s spent as much time injured as he has on the pitch. Instead, it’s been the youngsters stepping up. Liam Delap’s got three goals in his last five games, João Pedro’s been a constant threat, and Jamie Gittens – yes, Jamie Gittens – has five in five since breaking into the team.
Then there’s Estevao, the 17-year-old Brazilian winger who’s already got fans dreaming. He’s not starting every game, but when he does, he’s electric. That’s the beauty of this squad: if one forward’s off form, there’s always someone else ready to take their place.
The stats that tell the story
Twenty-plus players have featured in five or more matches across all competitions. No one’s played every minute. The top scorer in the league has five goals. The team’s top assist provider is a midfielder, not a winger. These aren’t the stats of a side relying on one or two stars. They’re the stats of a team.
And the results back it up. They’ve been strong at home – four wins, four draws, three losses – and decent enough on the road. The EFL Cup’s still alive, and while Europe might be a stretch, they’re not out of it yet. Most importantly, they’re not collapsing under the weight of their own squad. If anything, they’re thriving.
The downsides: cards, egos, and the manager shuffle
It’s not all perfect. Moisés Caicedo and Marc Cucurella have been booked more times than they’d like, and there’s been the odd grumble about playing time. Then there’s the small matter of the manager change – Enzo Maresca out, Nathan Rosenior in. That’s a big shift mid-season, and while Rosenior’s got ideas, it’s going to take time to bed them in.
But here’s the thing: with this much depth, Chelsea can afford a few bumps. They can afford to experiment. They can afford to rest players without the drop-off being too steep. That’s not something every team can say.
What’s next?
Top four is the minimum expectation now. The squad’s built for it – strong enough to compete with the best, deep enough to handle the grind. A cup run wouldn’t be a surprise, and if Rosenior can get his ideas across quickly, who knows? Maybe even a title push isn’t out of the question.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t a team that’s going to fade. Too many players, too much talent, too much hunger. If anything, they’re just getting started.
Where to go from here
Want more on how Chelsea’s squad stacks up against the rest of the Premier League? Check out the latest football insights by TipsGG for deep dives, stats, and predictions. And if you’re a Chelsea fan, enjoy the ride – it’s going to be a wild one.
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