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Chelsea FC summer homework: Defenders

By George Perry

A giant Chelsea flag flies before kick off of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on January 16, 2016. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
A giant Chelsea flag flies before kick off of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on January 16, 2016. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Baba Rahman: Defending – Neel Madhavan

Baba Rahman had the occasional bright spot in his 15 appearances with Chelsea this year, such as his assist in the penultimate game of the season against Liverpool. To become a legitimate Premier League defender for a club like Chelsea, the one thing Baba Rahman can improve on this summer is the sum total of the little things that make up a defender’s core capabilities.

Baba Rahman has been the polar opposite of fellow defender Cesar Azpilicueta. He has the pace and speed to keep up with the wingers and forwards that he would be defending. However his man-marking, tackling ability, and overall defensive positioning are glaring liabilities.

Rahman averaged only 1.5 interceptions per game in 11 Premier League appearances this season. Azpilicueta averaged 2.3 interceptions in a season that, by his standards, was well below average.

Overall, Rahman has struggled to adjust to the rigors of the Premier League. Rahman’s performances in the Champions League were significantly better than his efforts in England. In Europe, Baba Rahman averaged 3.8 tackles per game, an increase from 3.1 per game in the Premier League. Rahman also doubled his interceptions to 3.0 per game in Champions League competition.

At 21 the Ghanaian is still young, so he should improve under incoming manager Antonio Conte. While his teammates are competing in the Euros and Copa America this summer, Rahman must make the most of his off-season time to improve his defensive skills.

Next: Cesar Azpilicueta: Offensive Attack

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