Dream Team 2024/25: Chelsea’s top stars, bargain options & players to avoid
CHELSEA could be an decisive team for Dream Team managers in 2024/25.
If the Blues are able to get past either Braga or Servette in the Conference League play-offs, they will reach the league phase of the reformatted continental competition.
Europe’s tertiary competition is still relatively young but English teams have generally done well.
Leicester and Aston Villa were semi-finalists in 2021/22 and 2023/24 respectively while West Ham lifted the trophy in 2022/23.
As a result, the teams active in the Conference League have tended to provide more than their fair share of Dream Team points – hence the importance of Chelsea’s play-off.
The all-important manRex
In the meantime, let’s analyse their top stars, bargain options and players to avoid ahead of Gameweek 1.
TOP STARS
Chelsea were essentially a one-man team in Dream Team for much of 2024/25, such was Cole Palmer’s (£6m) dominance.
In fact, the only other player within 100 points of the former Manchester City youngster was Conor Gallagher (£4m), who is expected to leave this summer.
Palmer benefited from a succession of penalties last season but he was anything but a one-trick pony – he scored 16 goals from open play (25 in total) and registered 18 assists in all competitions.
A long-range equaliser against Spain in the final of Euro 2024 cemented his popularity and he’s set to start the new season as the most-selected player in Dream Team.
Dream TeamNkunku will hope his injury troubles are behind him[/caption]
Christopher Nkunku (£4m) is something of a question mark having been blighted by injuries since his move to Stamford Bridge but he has the talent to thrive.
The Frenchman was Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2021/22 and top scorer the following year.
Even last season, when he was limited to a handful of appearances, he averaged a goal every 146.3 minutes in the Premier League – if he could do the same over a longer period this coming campaign he will provide plentiful returns.
Reece James (£4m) is suspended for the first three games of the season, hangover from the end of 2023/24, so Dream Team bosses should stay well clear throughout August.
But come September he’ll be a player to monitor closely.
The 24-year-old right-back may be deployed in an inverted role under Enzo Maresca, which would see him active in midfield areas.
Obviously James’ injury record is a huge concern but he racks up points at a rapid rate when available.
GettyDream Team bosses should be aware of James’ suspension[/caption]
BARGAIN OPTIONS
It remains to be seen if Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£3m) will be a regular starter for Chelsea but his relationship with Maresca should help his case.
The pair enjoyed success together at Leicester where the creative midfielder scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists to guide the Foxes to the Championship title last season.
The 25-year-old already has over 50 Premier League appearances to his name but this time he returns in his prime.
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Marc Cucurella (£3.5m) is probably a fraction too expensive to be considered a bargain but he has the potential to offer smart value for money.
The Euro 2024 winner’s stock has never been higher after his impressive outings for Spain.
Whether he’s able to transfer that form to club level is a question yet to be answered but more than a few gaffers are willing to take the gamble – only Palmer appears in more teams among Chelsea players currently.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
AlamyMudryk is yet to settle at Chelsea[/caption]
It’s looking less and less likely that Mykhailo Mudryk (£3m) will come good in West London.
The Ukraine winger is quick and gets himself in promising positions but his decision-making and composure (lack thereof) make him a frustrating watch.
Moises Caicedo (£3m) found his feet at the back end of last season, a fact amplified by his goal from the halfway line against Bournemouth in May.
However, the ex-Brighton midfielder simply doesn’t offer enough in attack to justify a place in a competitive Dream Team.
