Why Chelsea’s £18m man could struggle for games next season

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Andre Schurrle could be the victim of increased competition for places after the arrivals of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa at Chelsea.

Last term, the 23-year-old could not establish himself as a regular starter under Jose Mourinho, with Eden Hazard, Willian, Oscar, Mohamed Salah among those offering the German competition for a place in the side.

As such, Schurrle found himself on the bench for exactly half the Premier League season, making more substitute appearances than any other Chelsea player.

Germany boss Joachim Low has also used Schurrle in a similar capacity, giving him three World Cup appearances, but all from the bench.

Hazard, meanwhile, was only brought on three times last season, having made 32 starts.

Unfortunately for Schurrle, though, he will have to really impress Mourinho if he wants those figures to change this season.

Fabregas’s arrival at the club for a reported £27million will make competition for places even tougher, while Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago may also still move to west London.

Marco van Ginkel, who was injured last season, may also play a larger part in the Blues’ season this term, while Costa’s signing will make it even harder for Schurrle to get a game as the 23-year-old will have less need to be used as a false nine.

And while the likes of Willian, Oscar and Salah will find it challenging to keep their place in the Blues’ side, they were already higher than Schurrle in the battle for minutes on the pitch.

After the club’s new signings have come in, then, the German may find himself increasingly marginalised at Stamford Bridge. Unless, of course, he can make himself un-droppable.