Enzo Maresca could build his dream Chelsea backline before the January transfer window slams shut. The Blues have a lot of work to do, with numerous players expected to leave – and arrive – at Stamford Bridge in the next few days.

Chelsea recalled Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace earlier this month, as Maresca looked to bolster his defence. The Cobham graduate has done well since returning to his boyhood club, helping the West Londoners defeat Wolves 3-1 in his first game back.

However, there's always room for improvement. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what business Chelsea need to do in the January transfer window to build the perfect backline for Maresca.

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Jorgensen takes the wheel and Sanchez leaves

After Robert Sanchez's disaster-class against Manchester City at the weekend, Maresca should finally given Filip Jorgensen a run in the starting lineup. The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who Chelsea signed from Villarreal in the summer for £20.7m, has more than proved that he's ready for the Premier League following his impressive performances in the Conference League.

In the meantime, Sanchez should be benched and sold at the end of the season – unless, of course, a club comes in for him beforehand...

Chelsea youngster promoted to Cucurella understudy

With Renato Veiga at Juventus on loan, Marc Cucurella needs a new understudy, so Ishe Samuels-Smith should be given the chance to impress. The 18-year-old defender could be the perfect profile for Maresca, having previously played left wing-back, left-back and left centre-back.

Colwill given new leadership role

It won't be long before Levi Colwill dons the captain's armband for Chelsea. Despite the Blues' trials and tribulations, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of the top young defenders in the Premier League – and possibly even Europe.

He needs to be given the keys to Maresca's backline. With Colwill at the heart of the action, dictating play, baiting the press, firing passes into the half-spaces and – just generally – leading by example, Chelsea have the foundations to a steely defence.

Chelsea covers Fofana absence with 'next Ramos'

While Wesley Fofana has recently stepped up his rehabilitation, participating in running drills on grass, he's not expected to return to action until April – maybe even May. So, Chelsea should look to sign a new right-sided centre-half before the January transfer window slams shut.

The Blues should look no further than Dean Huijsen. According to Fabrizio Romano on Instagram, the Bournemouth wonderkid has a release clause in his contract valid from this summer. Huijsen, who joined the Cherries from Juventus at the start of the season, has turned heads in the Premier League this season.

Andoni Iraola's side are currently 10 games unbeaten with the 19-year-old defender starting at centre-half, winning six and drawing four. Romano claims that Chelsea 'really appreciate' Huijsen, who's been placed high up on the club's shortlist.

While the Spain Under-21 international's has largely featured at left centre-back for the Cherries, he's right-footed so he could play either side. This means he wouldn't necessarily block Josh Acheampong's pathway into the side.

Speaking to talkSPORT in December 2024, Huijsen revealed he idolised Sergio Ramos growing up. The Bournemouth defender said: "My idol was Sergio Ramos when I was small. I think he's the best defender ever – at least that I've seen.

"I'm still pretty young so I haven't seen that many, but I think he had everything. I just think he was the total package. He's got important goals, he's a leader, he's good on the ball, good defensively, aggressive. I just think he's got everything."

Maresca spoiled for choice with James and Gusto

At right-back, Maresca is spoiled for choice, with Reece James and Malo Gusto more than deserving of places in the starting lineup. As aforementioned, Samuels-Smith should be promoted to the first-team to almost deputise Cucurella at left-back.

The upcoming Conference League – and maybe even the FA Cup – fixtures could be an excellent opportunity to blood the Cobham graduate into senior football. With Renato Veiga at Juventus until the summer, Samuels-Smith has the chance to climb the pecking order and force himself into Maresca's squad.

So, Chelsea's dream backline by the end of the January transfer window would look something like this: Filip Jorgensen; Marc Cucurella (Ishe Samuels-Smith), Levi Colwill (Dean Huijsen), Trevoh Chalobah (Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong), Reece James (Malo Gusto).