What Actually Is Chelsea’s Best XI

With so much rotation and changing from Enzo Maresca we have seen some inconsistency creep into the squad. Different roles for players and different combos have seen some questions emerge over what Chelsea’s best XI actually is, particularly when factoring in some of the injuries that have caused problems. In this, we will be determining what the best formation and setup is when everyone is healthy and available.

Determining Chelsea’s Best XI in 2025/26

Goalkeeper

Of the available shot-stoppers, Robert Sanchez has become the clear first-choice option. Since the turn of the year he has cut out a large number of the mistakes that plague him. His short distribution has improved and we’ve seen the team make more use of his exceptional long-range passing, particularly in the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.

His backup Filip Jorgensen has looked increasingly poor in his cup outings, most recently letting in three goals against a Wolves B-team. Gaga Slonina can’t even escape the development squad and would possibly outdo Jorgensen but not Sanchez.

Defence

Right-Back

While he has been used in different roles and often excels no matter where he is used, Reece James is a world-class right-back. His crossing and ball striking are excellent, as is his one-on-one defending. If given license to push up and get balls into the box he could notch up far more assists.

Right Centre-Back

There’s been some competition emerging over the past few months with Josh Acheampong or Trevoh Chalobah looking quite good in this role. Despite that, Wesley Fofana still stands out as the best RCB in the squad. The way he defends is important to recycling the ball but he’s capable in build-up when asked to carry the ball forward or pass out from the back.

As an athlete, he is already in a league of his own but he’s got the rest of the skills needed from any modern-day centre-back.

Left Centre-Back

It comes as no surprise that the Blues’ defensive strength went through the floor after Levi Colwill suffered an ACL tear. Colwill is an adaptable player who can be the cover-guy when Fofana steps up or as the aggressor with Tosin Adarabioyo or Chalobah to cover.

Beyond being a very useful defender, his passing ability is second-to-none, as he uses his left foot to ping line-breaking passes regularly that advance the attack up the field. This was also notably lacking early in the campaign as the team struggled initially to build up attacks when facing Crystal Palace and Fulham.

Left Back

Marc Cucurella can be the only option here. One of the world’s best at his position he is a handful when going forward, able to support the winger, make underlapping runs, or drift into the box to get on the end of crosses. Defensively, he is rarely beaten and has put the clamps on some of the world’s finest wingers.