Levi Colwill [37]

Chelsea’s inability to score goals was on show for all to see on Saturday, as the Stamford Bridge side failed to break down a Brentford side that ultimately snatched a 2-0 win despite their hosts having the lion’s share of chances. The defeat now leaves Chelsea in eleventh place in the Premier League table with just three wins from 10 games and manager Mauricio Pochettino with one of the worst starts as a manager of the club in the modern era. 

Chelsea’s abysmal 2023 has extended over the last few months and their overall market has dropped by €16.2million in the latest Transfermarkt update. Only Manchester United’s squad valuation has dropped more than Chelsea but, remarkably, their squad remains the third most valuable in the English Premier League at €982.8m, behind just Manchester City and Arsenal. Their ranking is predominantly down to their squad and their massive investment in the transfer market across recent windows. Chelsea spent €467.8m in the summer, more than €200m more than any other club, although they recouped €269.4m in player sales. Chelsea also spent €611.49 during the 2022/23 season and their total expenditure of €742.03m across the last three windows is more than double second biggest spenders Manchester United.

A new year is upon us as we wave goodbye to an eventful 2023 in the world of football. Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr sparked an exodus of top European players to Saudi Arabia, Napoli claimed their first Serie A title since 1990 and Arsenal threatened to win the title before collapsing as Erling Haaland inspired Manchester City to the treble. 

Several potentially world-class talents emerged as first-team players in 2023 to generate huge excitement. Breaking into the starting eleven at some of Europe’s top clubs can be an insurmountable task but some youngsters are just too prodigiously talented to ignore. Lionel Messi famously made his Barcelona debut at 17, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were regulars at Manchester United at just 18. Messi and Ronaldo continue to prolong their careers but the next generation of superstars have emerged with Jude Bellingham topping the bill.

The African Cup of Nations is currently showcasing the best talent on the continent and Ousmane Diomande arguably has the biggest potential of them all. The 20-year-old will be integral to Ivory Coast’s prospects and scouts from Premier League giants will have a vested interest. Diomande enjoyed a sensational 2023 after moving to Sporting Lisbon from FC Midtjylland last January to catch the attention of top clubs. Diomande possesses all the characteristics desired in a modern centre-back - pace, power and comfortable in possession. Portuguese clubs are synonymous with developing prodigiously talented youngsters before selling them for massive profits and Diomande is one of the next starlets on the conveyor belt.