After failing to acquire a centre back so far this summer, Chelsea could take a new approach in their recruitment with Inter Milan wing back Denzel Dumfries linked with the Blues.
Despite already bringing long-term target Kalidou Koulibaly to Chelsea this summer, Thomas Tuchel 's side remain in the market for another defender after Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Chrisrensen departed. Sevilla defender Jules Kounde looked set to be Tuchel's next arrival, but developments over the last few days now mean the Frenchman will be staying in Spain, with a move to Barcelona almost complete.
Struggling for centre backs, the Blues may look to change their transfer strategy in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, with Tuchel's side now being linked with Inter right back Dumfries. The Netherlands international has been fantastic for Inter after securing a move to Italy last summer following his impressive EURO's campaign, and with Reece James more than capable of playing at centre back, the potential arrival of Dumfries may see a shake up in position for James next season.
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So, if Chelsea were to sign Dumfries, how may he perform under Tuchel? Would he become a regular and see James move to centre back, or would he act as back-up instead?
We 'signed' Denzel Dumfries for Chelsea next season
For this simulation to happen, we used the in-game editor for Football Manager 2022 to allow the transfer of Dumfries to Chelsea. We also updated the Blues squad with the latest transfers from the summer transfer window.
Dumfries became a regular instantly in the Chelsea XI, starting 47 games in all competitions whilst making one appearance off the bench. In those 48 games, the Netherlands international grabbed two goals and eight assists - a solid return for a wing back.
Both of his goals and two of his assists came in the Champions League, with both goals match winners in the group stages. His best competition was the Premier League where he tallied six assists in 35 games, averaging a rating of 7.04.
In all competitions, Dumfries averaged a rating of 7, not the greatest when compared to other defenders at the club. Moving to centre back actually saw James improve, with the Englishman registering the best average rating out of all the Blues defenders (7.24).
James also made the most appearances, scored the most goals and won the most player of the match awards out of all the defenders at the club. Dumfries did register the most assists though, whilst Ben Chilwell and Malang Sarr both averaged worse ratings.
At the end of the season, FM22 released the Best XI from the Chelsea squad, using player statistics, league data and other measures to complete the team. Here’s Chelsea’s Best XI for the 2022/23 season according to our simulation.
Full Chelsea Best XI (5-2-2-1): Mendy; Dumfries, James, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Chilwell; Kovacic, Kante; Mount, Havertz; Sterling.
Dumfries ended the season in Chelsea's best XI, with James being deployed on the right of a back three featuring Trevor Chalobah and Koulibaly. Thiago Silva struggled to remain fit and make enough appearances to make it into the best XI.
Chelsea’s 2022/23 season overall from the simulation
Despite finishing 18 points off the Premier League winners Manchester City, Chelsea did end the season in second place in the league, pipping Arsenal to the runners-up spot on goal difference. In total, the Blues managed 81 points.
The 81 points was a seven point improvement on the previous campaign for Chelsea, with the Blues scoring six fewer and conceding two more than last season. After a strong league finish, the Blues also ended the season with one trophy to their name.
After drawing 0-0 in normal time, a penalty shootout victory over Aston Vila saw the Blues lift the Carabao Cup. Despite winning 2-1 in the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid, the Blues lost on penalties to Los Blancos as they were eliminated by Carlo Ancelotti's side in the quarter finals for the second consecutive season, and a penalty defeat to Leeds United saw Tuchel's side knocked out of the FA Cup in just the third round.
Overall, the simulation predicts that Dumfries could be a fantastic fit for Chelsea, with the defender becoming a regular in the wing back role as James impressed at centre back. Dumfries' addition also saw the Blues finish second in the Premier League and win one trophy, all-in a successful and improved season for Tuchel's side.
Let us know in the comments below if you think Denzel Dumfries could be a good fit for Chelsea!
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