Should Chelsea FC Pursue Fabian Delph?
Chelsea FC are in the market for a midfielder. Even though the Blues possess world-class talent in players such as Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic, the squad does not really stretch that much deeper. With all the rumours linking the club with the likes of Paul Pogba and Arda Turan, is there a solution much closer to home?
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Aston Villa were absolutely shocking for probably around 80% of last season. Tim Sherwood took over the club towards the end of February and changed their fortunes, somehow managing to save them from relegation. He also took them to the FA Cup final where they came undone and lost 4-0 to Arsenal.
There were very few shining lights in that season. One of them was Christian Benteke’s transformation under Sherwood (he scored 12 goals under his reign). The second was the coming-of-age for a young promising English midfielder: Fabian Delph.
The 25-year-old was handed the armband by Sherwood and didn’t look back. His performances into the death of the season undoubtedly played a huge role in ensuring Villa’s survival and now it has been revealed that his release clause is only £8 million. This despite signing a four and half year contract extension in January.
So, the question is whether the Blues should pursue the midfielder?
The Englishman is evidently talented, but he just hasn’t been able to harness it effectively yet. His debut goal for Villa was an absolute stunner and showcased the spark that he possesses. He made 34 league appearances and scored three goals in that 2013/14 campaign as the Midlands club limped to 15th place.
While his last season started off slowly, he really came into his own under Sherwood. A notion that is paid testament to the fact that he is now a starter in Roy Hodgson’s England team. Admittedly England suck, but this promotion does represent the improvement that has been seen in his game.
At £8 million Delph would be an absolute bargain. Jose Mourinho is currently being linked to players across the world who will cost no less than £20 million, but sitting just up the M40 there is an opportunity to nab a bright talent at a low price.
Furthermore, Delph is unlikely to be the type of player who will be unhappy with playing second fiddle to Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic. Perhaps that should be better explained: should Delph agree to join Chelsea, he will do so in the knowledge of what his true role in the squad will be.
Delph is evidently talented, but he just hasn’t been able to harness it effectively yet
Chelsea have a great partnership growing between Fabregas and the big Serb. If a Paul Pogba or a Koke were to be brought in to Stamford Bridge, the personality of the player as well as the inevitably sizeable transfer fee would mean breaking that partnership in order to give the newcomer regular games.
Chelsea need depth, yes, but as Real Madrid and both Manchester clubs have recently shown, Galácticos don’t really work anymore.
However, having said that, this transfer would still be a bit of a risk. With the likes of Oscar and Ramires rumoured to be on their way out, should Fabian Delph not fulfil his potential a massive weight would drop on to the young inexperienced shoulders of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kurt Zouma. His injury issues may also add to this.
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That is not what you want when chasing Europe’s top prize.
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Nevertheless, £8 million is dirt cheap compared to the inflation-busting prices that the European talent are supposedly commanding, a fact that has been underlined by apparent interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City.
Should the Blues pursue Delph? It seems like a percentage move. He would fit perfectly into the back-up midfielder role that needs to be filled and with what should be modest wage demands, it can be well justified. Furthermore, he would add to the home-grown talent quota that has become increasingly hard to meet in modern football.
The only question concerns whether he can continue being the player he’s always promised to be.
But I guess you never know until you try it, right?
Now it’s over to you guys. Is Delph worth a shot at this price? Is he really as good as he showed towards the end of last season? Get involved and sound off in the comments below!
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