How will Antonio Conte fit Chelsea’s stars into his favourite 3-5-2 formation?

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Midfield

One thing that needs to be considered is the full-backs, Cesar Azpilicueta and Baba Rahman, and where they fit in.

During Euro 2016, Manchester United right-back Matteo Darmian was used as a left wing-back.

Azpilicueta is a talented player and there will be a host of clubs queuing up for the Spaniards’ signature if he isn’t given sufficient playing time.

With Willian, who was the arguably the only bright spark for Chelsea last season, certain to occupy the right of midfield, Azpilicueta could fill in on the left in order to provide both a threat going forward and defensive stability.

Cesc Fabregas was one that struggled throughout the first half of last season before Jose Mourinho was sacked, but the Spaniards’ form picked up and he is still the biggest threat that Chelsea have in terms of finding the killer pass.

An attacking threat is one thing Fabregas possesses but Conte will expect more stability, defensively from the 29-year-old, as the back three will need plenty of protection.

The fourth player to make up the midfield-five will most likely be Nemanja Matic, who couldn’t have had more opposite seasons over the last two years.

In the 14/15 title-winning season, the Serbian international was heaped with praise for protecting the back four and became a key component in Mourinho’s side.

The most recent season brought something different- a rashness and lack of mobility let Matic down and resulted in him being dropped from Chelsea’s starting XI, as Mourinho bid to save his sinking ship.

At 27-years-old, the defensive midfielder has plenty of time to reignite his career under Conte and could become a key figure in the heart of midfield once again.

In terms of the final midfielder, without making a signing, it will surely be between Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Oscar.

Numerous links away from Stamford Bridge may have unsettled Oscar but the Brazilian is still a great attacking midfielder. However his lack of defensive experience could see him fall out of favour.

Loftus-Cheek had a few more chances under Guus Hiddink and many Chelsea fans are eager to see the midfielder get more or a role in the first team.

He will be no doubt willing to learn from Conte and his energy, like Zouma, could definitely appeal to the 46-year-old manager, who demands 100% from his players at all times.