There are several transfer rumours regarding Chelsea’s midfield and centre-back options. However, not enough energy has been given for the left-back position.
Now it may just be because the summer transfer window is still far ahead, but early planning calls for success. It would not hurt to have just an inkling of what we may be in for in the summer.
Considering that no left-back options were considered in January, it’s probably best we give Chelsea a helping hand of who we’d like to see. To be quite honest, I want to force their hand and give them options they just cannot refuse. God forbid if Ben Chilwell gets injured again next season, we may be in serious trouble like we are now.
I'm not asking for a Ben Chilwell replacement. Just someone to spice up the competition a little bit and give him a run for his money. Chelsea fans have lost faith in Marcos Alonso, but he put that on himself with the lack of recovery pace in his locker. He is great in the opponent's box but a hindrance in defence. Now Chelsea must find someone with the perfect balance.
Raphaël Guerreiro
Hear me out, Dortmund's left-back Guerreiro has gone under the radar for many clubs, and I get it. He may not be a big name in England, but he is highly rated in Germany. Thomas Tuchel previously coached the 28-year-old. When he arrived in Dortmund, Tuchel was wax lyrical over him, he said, "He's much too good to be limited to just one position,"
The Portuguese man made a name for himself at left-back, but he can also excel in midfield. He has also spent a fair bit of time playing in a 3-4-3 formation to his comfort during his academy years. If that doesn't sound like a positive move, then maybe this will.
He has scored eight goal contributions in 20 games so far this season. This is someone that Chelsea may not know that they need
His contract is up in 2023, so it could be wise for Tuchel to bring his name to the board before another contract offer is made for him. He is currently valued at £31.5m via transfermarkt.
Theo Hernandez
I have been an advocate for the AC Milan left-back because he is probably one of the best in the game right now. As far as the “modern-day” full-back goes, he has all the qualities you need. He has attacking prowess and defensive awareness with a wicked pass in him.
Not only is he hungry to play football at the highest level, but he is also adequate to give Chilwell some needed competition. The pair can push themselves to the limit. Given that the World Cup is around the corner, neither party would be comfortable with the bench, making the fight that much spicier.
The downside is that I don’t think Chilwell would find comfort in steep competition on his arrival from a long-term injury, especially when it’s an ACL tear. Fortunately, I doubt the Blues will be looking to spend an extra £45m to match his market value on TransferMarkt, but if Chelsea is to push on to a title charge. It’s necessary.
Ian Maatsen
Ian Maatsen is the most obvious solution, right? I cannot stop singing his praises. The 19-year-old had shown a lot of promise in his upcoming and is currently on loan to Coventry City.
The City fans cannot stop talking about what a talent he is. Not only has he been hard to play against defensively, but he is also a menace on the by line. Coventry plays in a 3-4-3 formation where Maatsen has quickly adopted the left wing-back role. Just a few tweaks to his game, and there could be a shout to bring him back home.
If the idea of bringing home Levi Cohwill is in the air, then surely Maatsen should be a consideration. Plus, he will be learning from one of the best left-backs to do it in a Chelsea shirt. Unfortunately, I don’t mean Ashley Cole, as he has gone to link up with his mate Frank Lampard at Everton. But Chilwell is just as good as they come.
There you have it. Three options for Chelsea to take a look at.
No excuses this summer! We cannot challenge for a title with a lack of left-wingback options. Let’s leave Emerson Palmieri in the past. He is happy at Lyon. Let’s move on, Alonso, before it’s too late as his contract runs out next year.
The cards are in Marina Granovskaia’s hands.
Make sure you have subscribed to CareFree Chelsea on YouTube! The Fan Brands team along with plenty of your football.london favourites will be producing daily Chelsea content for you to enjoy including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews. You can follow Anita Abayomi from the CareFreeChelsea team to keep up to date with her work. If you enjoyed reading this then give her other articles a read below.
