Chelsea have gone on a major revamping drive this summer, with Roman Abramovich determined to turn the European champions into one of the most eye-catching sides in the world.
The Russian billionaire has already brought in Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Kevin de Bruyne -- youngsters all capable of playing a passing style akin to the ones played by Spain and Barcelona.
When Abramovich made Pep Guardiola his number one target to take over the Chelsea reins, it was to fulfil his dream of seeing Chelsea play the beautiful game the way it should be played. While the former Barcelona manager turned down the chance to coach Chelsea and end his self-imposed sabbatical early, Abramovich still hasn't lost hope on seeing his side play attractive soccer.
Hazard and Marin are players capable of playing all across the pitch. While both of them prefer to play in the middle, behind the main striker, the duo is equally adept at playing on the wings in a 4-2-3-1 formation or a 4-3-3 formation.
Chelsea also have Juan Mata to play the playmaker's role, be it from the center, right or left. And if rumors are to be believed, Abramovich has added another jewel to the midfield, by sealing the signature of highly-rated Brazilian Oscar.
If, and when, the Oscar deal is confirmed, Chelsea will have an embarrassment of riches in the playmaking department. A highly talented trio behind Fernando Torres, all capable of creating chance after chance for "El Nino."
Torres, ever since making a move from Liverpool for a British record transfer fee of £50 million ($77.3 million), has struggled to adapt to Chelsea's style. The style suited to the likes of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.
While Abramovich understands the importance Drogba, particularly, brought to the side, highlighted by his contribution in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich; the Russian also understands the talents of Torres, a player he paid so much money for, would go to waste if he did not bring about a change of style to the team.
Roberto Di Matteo might not seem like the most qualified man for the job, to suddenly turn Chelsea into a side that plays attractive soccer. But, with the players that Abramovich is bringing in - and make no mistake, the players that have been brought in, particularly, Hazard was all Abramovich - the job of the Italian manager has been made much easier.
Mata is already familiar with the Spanish style, as is Torres. Hazard, Oscar and Marin have the technical abilities to conform to any style of play.
Expect to see Lampard play a bit deeper than he is used to next season. How suited he is to that role, will be up for debate, but Lampard has always shown himself capable of getting the job done, irrespective of the circumstances. While he might not score as many goals as he is used to scoring, a lesser role, in a more attractive system, where success is just around the corner, might just suit the midfielder, who turned 34 last month.
A winning side is a happy side, and Di Matteo has a good rapport with the Chelsea players, particularly the veterans. As long as the Italian is able to blend in the old with the "exciting" new, his and Chelsea's future will be bright for the seasons ahead.
