{"id":298200,"date":"2023-12-03T08:29:42","date_gmt":"2023-12-03T08:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/?p=298200"},"modified":"2023-12-03T08:29:42","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T08:29:42","slug":"where-are-chelsea-team-now-that-ended-29-year-wait-to-beat-brighton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/soccer\/where-are-chelsea-team-now-that-ended-29-year-wait-to-beat-brighton\/","title":{"rendered":"Where are Chelsea team now that ended 29-year wait to beat Brighton"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mauricio Pochettino \u201cangry and disappointed\u201d after Chelsea lose 4-1 at Newcastle.<\/h3>\n

Chelsea have undergone immeasurable change in recent years. The revolving door of Todd Boehly\u2019s approach to transfer windows means the Blues squad now looks unrecognisable from only a few years ago.<\/p>\n

That change can be best displayed by looking at a line-up from December 2017. A 2-0 victory over then-newly promoted Brighton, who visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday, elevated Antonio Conte\u2019s side four points clear of Liverpool in third place. Express Sport takes a look at where the team is now, with none of the 18 stars in the matchday squad contracted to Chelsea.<\/p>\n

Thibaut Courtois<\/strong>: Goalkeeper Courtois left Chelsea at the end of that season under a cloud. The Belgian forced his way into a move to Real Madrid, where he has remained for the last six years.<\/p>\n

Cesar Azpilicueta<\/strong>: Long-serving defender Cesar Azpilicueta finally departed the west Londoners in the summer. He joined Atletico Madrid but has only played a bit-part role in La Liga.<\/p>\n

Gary Cahill<\/strong>: Cahill was a regular starter under Antonio Conte and remained at Chelsea for a further season, helping the club win the Europa League under Maurizio Sarri. He joined Crystal Palace in 2019 before ending his career at Bournemouth.<\/p>\n

Antonio Rudiger<\/strong>: Rudiger\u2019s departure in 2022 was controversial given that the defender was almost unable to pen a contract extension due to strict measures imposed on the club in the wake of Roman Abramovich\u2019s sanctions. There is an acceptance that Rudiger would have left regardless, though, joining Real Madrid where he continues to play regularly.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Chelsea higher-ups ‘suddenly drop’ Blues icon Pat Nevin from all media duties[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Victor Moses<\/strong>: One of the most intriguing narratives of Conte\u2019s spell was his successful use of former winger Moses as a wing-back. The Nigeria international excelled in the role and played a major part in Chelsea\u2019s title triumph the previous season. Still only 32 but pushed back up the pitch, Moses is a key player for Russian side Spartak Moscow, scoring four times this season.<\/p>\n

Tiemoue Bakayoko<\/strong>: Chelsea fans would be forgiven for thinking \u00a340m flop Bakayoko had long since left the club. But the midfielder only departed in the summer on a free transfer, having embarked on a string of loan spells. The one-cap France international now plays for French outfit Lorient.<\/p>\n

N\u2019Golo Kante<\/strong>: Combative midfielder Kante drew the curtain on a remarkable Premier League career in the summer. Having won two top-flight titles and the World Cup during his time in England, the fans\u2019 favourite joined the swathe of high-profile stars moving to Saudi Arabia where he plays for reigning champions Al-Ittihad.<\/p>\n

Cesc Fabregas<\/strong>: Fabregas always seemed to be the type of player who would naturally transition into coaching. And the former midfielder was appointed to his first role – albeit as a caretaker – in November. Fabregas will oversee Italian Serie B side Como.<\/p>\n

Marcos Alonso<\/strong>: Tenacious wing-back Alonso split opinion at Chelsea but was key during Conte\u2019s reign. The Spaniard joined Barcelona in 2022 and won La Liga last season. He was linked with Manchester United in the summer but a move did not materialise.<\/p>\n