Frank Lampard’s youth movement at Chelsea has captured the majority of the headlines this season.
But the club’s experienced stars have also ensured the Blues push for top-four spot in the Premier League has remained on track.
However, come the end of the 2019/20 season, several first-team regulars are free to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of their contract.
And here we decide who, if anyone, should be kept on.
Willian
For years Chelsea have had a policy in place when it comes to contract renewals. If a player is 30 or above, they will only be offered a one-year deal. And yet...
"It’s a difficult situation because Chelsea offered me two years and they are not going to change,” Willian told Esporte Interativo in February.
“I said I wanted three more years. The situation is difficult because of this.”
Given he’s 31 years old, the Blues have already broken their own rules by offering Willian a two-year deal. That he’s turned it down makes it hard to see how he remains at Stamford Bridge.
And, in truth, Chelsea would be wise to let the Brazil international move on. Willian isn’t prolific - he’s never reached double figures in a single Premier League season - and his goals per 90 of 0.18 this term is well off the likes of Sadio Mane (0.65) and Raheem Sterling (0.55).
Even teammates Pedro (0.33) Christian Pulisic (0.27) better the Chelsea No.10.
Verdict: Twist
Pedro
The Spanish international has enjoyed success with Chelsea since arriving from Barcelona in the summer of 2015, but for much of this season it seemed inevitable that he would leave West London come the end of 2019/20.
From August to January Pedro made just four Premier League appearances under Frank Lampard. But he was brought back into the first-team at the beginning of February and has started four of the Blues last six matches in all competitions.
Lampard has been effusive in his praise of the 32-year-old’s impact, but it was telling that he used this sentence at the beginning of March: “He can be one of our most important players until the end of the season."
Verdict: Twist
Olivier Giroud
Only a few weeks ago the French striker seemed destined to depart Chelsea. Inter, Lazio and Tottenham were all interested in signing Giroud and he wanted to leave to secure first-team football.
Now things couldn’t be more different. In the absence of Tammy Abraham due to injury and the ineffectiveness of Michy Batshuayi, the World Cup winner has become the Blues’ first-choice striker.
Giroud’s goals against Tottenham and Everton helped keep Chelsea’s top-four bid on track but it’s his neat link play and aerial ability that has stood out. The striker will be 34 years old in September, but if he’s prepared to drop in and out of the first team next season then he could again prove invaluable to Lampard.
Verdict: Stick
Willy Caballero
The Argentine stopper probably didn’t expect to make a Premier League appearance this season. The fact he has four to his name - and a Champions League last-16 start - only highlights the poor form of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
At 38 years old, you suspect Caballero is more than happy to play deputy and only be called upon when needed. But given he takes up a non-homegrown spot in the matchday squad, it makes sense to let him leave and try to find a younger or British alternative.
Verdict: Twist
Marco van Ginkel
The Dutch midfielder has had a wretched time with injuries during his seven years as a Chelsea player.
He also hasn’t made a first-team appearance for the Blues since the 2013/14 season. An easy one, this.
Verdict: Twist
