London, Sept 8: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has spent his money wisely during the transfer window, splashing nearly 80 million on some of the Europe's bright young talents. The Blues are currently on top of the Premier League table with nine points in three games.

The reigning European champions aim to be the first team in history to retain the UEFA Champions League. With attacking players like Eden Hazard, Oscar and Juan Mata, Chelsea will send a strong message even to their Premier League rivals after finishing sixth last season.

Roberto Di Matteo offloaded most of the fringe players and youngsters, many on loan, to begin a new generation after winning their first ever Champions League trophy last season.

Legend Didier Drogba, winger Salamon Kalou and right-back Jose Bosingwa left the club after their contract ended last season. However, manager Di Matteo looks satisfied with his new recruits but £20 million midfielder Oscar is yet to make a full start with his new club while German Marko Marin has not attained full match fitness yet.

Average age of Chelsea's new signing is 22 years but veteran midfielder Frank Lampard and captain John Terry along with senior players like goalkeeper Petr Cech and left-back Ashley Cole continue to play a key role for the Blues.

Chelsea have kept faith in their £50 million striker Fernando Torres despite being goal-shy last season. The Spaniard has a huge responsibility upfront replacing Drogba, who scored 157 goals in eight seasons with Chelsea, but has already netted twice in three games in the Premier League.

But Chelsea's recent 4-1 drubbing against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup questioned Di Matteo's tactics while his stars failed to perform. Atletico striker Radamel Falcao, who was linked with a move to Chelsea, tore apart Chelsea's defence with a sensational hat-trick in Monaco.

However, Chelsea have the firepower to beat any top side in Europe but retaining the Champions League will be a much bigger task than winning the Premier League.

OneIndia News