Jermaine Jenas: What I really like about Chelsea despite Barcelona draw
The Spurs legend opens up about Chelsea's prospects in the Champions League
Jermaine Jenas has highlighted Chelsea’s defensive unit as one of the big plus points with Antonio Conte’s team after being pitted against Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 draw.
The defending Premier League champions have endured a tough start to the season following losses to Burnley, Crystal Palace, Manchester City and West Ham United.
Antonio Conte’s side are in third place in the Premier League table and 14 points adrift of current leaders Manchester City following last weekend’s 1-0 loss at West Ham United.
Chelsea won the Premier League title with two games to spare last season after finishing seven points clear of their closest title challengers Tottenham Hotspur.
The title holders signed Antonio Rudiger in a £34m deal from Serie A giants AS Roma in the summer, while 21-year-old Danish defender Andreas Christensen has returned from a two-season long loan at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Chelsea were pitted against La Liga leaders Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 draw on Monday as Conte looks to win the competition for the first time.
Former Tottenham star Jenas believes Chelsea have a defensive unit capable of going deep into the competition if Conte can sort out their inconsistent performances.
“What I really like about Chelsea in Europe is that defensive block,” Jenas told BT Sport.
“If they can get that right, they’re very strong at the back. With people like Morata and Hazard at the top end of the pitch, anything can happen. But they’re just too up and down at the minute.
“If Conte gets it right, they could go far.”
Chelsea will welcome Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
