Steven Gerrard names three positions Chelsea must strengthen to challenge Arsenal

Steven Gerrard believes Chelsea must recruit three world-class defenders if they are to challenge Arsenal, Manchester City and Europe’s leading clubs for major honours.

As reported by Football365⁠, the former Liverpool captain identified two centre-backs and a left-back as priorities for Xabi Alonso’s side following their inconsistent start to the Premier League season.

Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on Sunday left them fifth after winning five and losing four of their opening 10 league matches. Despite scoring 19 goals, they have conceded 16, more than any other team in the top half.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Gerrard said: “I think for Chelsea to compete with your Arsenals, Man City’s, Liverpool’s, and the top end of the Champions League, I think they need to find world-class centre-backs and a world-class left-back.”

He praised Reece James, Levi Colwill and Chelsea’s goalkeeper but questioned whether their defensive unit could consistently compete at the highest level. Gerrard referenced Chelsea’s former defensive greats, including Ashley Cole, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Branislav Ivanovic, as the standard Alonso must replicate.

Meanwhile, Alonso blamed his team’s lack of creativity and patience against Sunderland, particularly when facing a defensive low block.