Who is Chelsea’s best option at left back?
Chelsea is shopping around for a left back in the summer transfer window, who are their options and does one stand out above the rest?
Ever since the departure of Ashley Cole, the Blues have failed to have a left back solidify the position and perform at an elite level. Cesar Azpilicueta has come the closest in recent years, but Chelsea’s own Swiss Army Knife has bounced around the defense. Marcos Alonso and Emerson have to make the position all their own in recent years, but have ultimately failed to meet Frank Lampard’s standards.
Consequently, the Blues are in the market for a left back this summer. Although a lot of names have been thrown out there, Chelsea realistically has five options next year. The answer to the universal question of who is the best all depends on what Lampard and his staff are looking for, but each brings a little something to the table.
The simplest option is Azpilicueta. The club captain has stepped in to play his old defensive role this season and done quite well. Of the other players to play on the left this season, Dave has been the most consistent. He brings the defensive awareness that Alonso lacks and the adeptness Emerson doesn’t have. The only concern with Azpilicueta is his age. He turns 31 in August and nobody knows just how long he can sustain his tremendous workload.
However, going into a summer in which money is going to be tight worldwide, Azpilicueta doesn’t cost a dime. The leadership remains in the squad and Azpilicueta can serve as a good role model to Ian Maatsen for a season or two.
Maatsen is another option for Lampard to consider at left back. In his two years as a part of the Chelsea academy, he’s shot through the ranks. The 18-year-old earned his first appearance for the first team in the League Cup this season. Lampard is obviously very excited about the future of the left back position at Chelsea, but questions have been raised as to whether or not Maatsen is ready for regular playing time yet.
Related Story. Four high potential players Chelsea lost to injury and loans. light
Unfortunately, all signs point towards no. Even Reece James—one of the most naturally gifted players in the squad—had to spend a year on loan before breaking through. Maatsen is a good emergency option for the position. However, he’s not ready to jump into a crucial starting position for one of Europe’s premier clubs just yet.
Azpilicueta and Maatsen are both currently at the club with deals that keep them in west London until at least 2022. If finances are as tight for Chelsea as they are for many other clubs in Europe, both players present free options to slot in at left back. However, the Blues would ideally like to find someone in the transfer market.
Of the names Chelsea has been linked to, Ben Chilwell, Alex Telles and Alex Sandro are the most realistic options. When looking at best overall choices, Leicester’s Chilwell is the cream of the crop. He’s Premier League proven and homegrown, which ticks a lot of boxes. Chilwell has pace and a chance-creating ability few other defenders in the league.
Chelsea is reportedly interested, but due to the aforementioned qualities, Chilwell is going to cost a pretty penny. The 23-year-old is expensive, but worth it. He’s the type of player that would instantly boost the Blues’ defense and could lock down the left back spot for the first time since Cole’s departure. However, there are cheaper options out there.
If Chelsea is looking to take a more affordable route, look no further than Porto’s Telles. The 27-year-old has thrived over the last few seasons, elevating himself to being called one of the best left backs in Europe. He’s finally ready for a bigger challenge and has had no shortage of suitors. PSG and Chelsea are just two of the interested parties.
light. Related Story. Philippe Coutinho is exactly the type of player Chelsea needs to stay away from
Telles has one-year left on his current deal with Porto. His asking price has dropped significantly for this reason, with the Portuguese club asking around £27 million. He’s not necessarily a long-term solution at left back, but he’s exactly the type of player Chelsea would want if the club is confident in Maatsen’s development. Telles will give the Blues a few years at the top of his game before allowing Maatsen to come up when ready. Telles is largely seen as the back-up option at left back, should the Chilwell deal fall through. However, if money is tight enough to where Chelsea can’t afford Telles—there is an even more financially responsible option.
After years of speculation, Juventus is finally ready to offload Sandro. He’s a player Antonio Conte wanted years ago, but the deal failed to get over the finish line. With Sarri’s Juventus wanting to bring both Jorginho and Emerson to Turin, a swap deal would be mutually beneficial. If the Blues are struggling to find funds for the summer window—as many of the clubs around Europe are—Sandro is the smartest option.
Sandro is the most experienced of the three players Chelsea could bring in this summer. He’s played his last nine seasons at Porto and Juventus. Further, his contract would likely not need renewing as it expires in 2023, right around the time Maatsen should be ready to take the reins.
One thing is certain and that’s the fact the Blues have a plethora of ways in which they can address the left back situation. The biggest deciding factor will be the money Chelsea has to spend. Overall, the man many hope to see in Chelsea blue next season is Chilwell. The 23-year-old is proven and has a lot of career left to put his best foot forward for the Blues.
Next. Chelsea can look to the academy if they cannot buy a keeper. dark
Who do you think Chelsea’s starting left back should be next season? Let us know in the comments.