Chelsea should address centreback concerns before making more transfers

Chelsea has struggled at the back this season and for that reason, the Blues should prioritize defensive stability over attacking reinforcements.

Chelsea has been very busy in the transfer market thus far with German striker Timo Werner seemingly heading to the Blues. Further, Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell are targets for manager Frank Lampard. Even without Havertz, Chelsea has plenty of choices in attack with the arrival of Hakim Ziyech and now Werner. Chelsea’s midfield needs little attention as the return of Ruben Loftus-Cheek from injury and the rise of young Billy Gilmour will add two more-than-capable bodies to the squad.

Despite being on a reportedly short leash, Kepa Arrizabalaga is still the No. 1 between the sticks. The Spaniard is rumoured to have the remaining fixtures of the Premier League this season to confirm his ability and dissuade the Chelsea brass from looking at keepers in Europe before the start of next season. It is Chelsea’s defence that now looks the most suspect. For much of the season the Blues’ defensive line has been questionable at best, so the board should make defensive signings before focusing any more on attack.

Chilwell is an upgrade over both Marcos Alonso and Emerson on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. However, if Chelsea wanted stability at left back why not just play Cesar Azpilicueta there instead? Azpilicueta has been Mr. Reliable for the Blues almost since his arrival, and he made the left back role his own this season. On the other side, Reece James has shown he is more than capable at the Premier League level and now only needs the time to grow.

The addition of Chilwell would no doubt be a coup for Lampard and Chelsea. However, an argument can be made that centreback is the position in need of the most attention, not left back.

Antonio Rudiger is Chelsea undisputed No. 1 centreback. Yet, which of Andreas Christensen or Kurt Zouma is No. 2 remains an oft-discussed question. During Jose Mourinho’s second spell at the Bridge, Zouma was in fantastic form and looking like he would go on to be Chelsea’s first-choice central defender for quite some time. A horrific knee injury removed him from the line-up and it has been a long way back for the Frenchman.

Christensen is a slightly different story. He was in a rich vein of form for Antonio Conte’s team, thriving in Conte’s back five. Calm and assured on the ball, the best of the defenders at the Italian’s disposal. Then came a Champions League game against Barcelona, and Christensen was given the tough task of defending Lionel Messi. The Dane did a very good job until one misplayed ball allowed the Argentine to nip in and score. Christensen looked deflated and his form plummeted.

Under Lampard, both Zouma and Christensen have shown in equal part flashes of old and that is both good and bad. Neither has played the other out of the line-up and so the question remains as to whether either one is good enough to hold down the spot as Rudiger’s partner. Chelsea’s remaining Premier League fixtures are ample time to figure out which of Christensen or Zouma—if either—are capable of being the first-second choice.

Both are good players, but neither it could be argued are of a world class vintage and perhaps that it where the end of the road lies. Both are quality, yet not quite of high enough pedigree that the Blues can hope to have one of them as a starting centreback in their bid to re-establish themselves as European cup contenders—unless their form dramatically improves.

It is no secret that Chelsea has been peaking around some of Europe’s best centrebacks in search of a solid partner for the German, confirming that Lampard is unsure either are suitable or able to take that next step up. Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti is reportedly available as part of the Catalan’s trying to sell off talent. Umtiti was being rumoured to be included in the Philippe Coutinho package that Chelsea were interested in earlier in the year.

There is also Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, who is also a reported target of Liverpool and Manchester United. Koulibaly has been one of the best centrebacks in the world for a few seasons and is finally looking to make a jump elsewhere. Finally, RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano is another name that has been touted as one for the future. The Frenchman has had a stellar season in the Bundesliga, but will likely cost a fee that rivals the one Liverpool paid for Virgil Van Dijk.

All of the above most would likely consider to be in a class above Zouma and Christensen. All are options for Lampard to consider pursuing, ranging from a cut price deal in Umtiti to a possible world record fee for Upamecano.

The next few games for Chelsea will be revealing as Lampard has just enough time to get the measure of which of Christensen or Zouma is the better fit for the Blues. The other will likely be shown the door in order to raise funds for transfers like Chilwell and Havertz, as well as clearing more of a path for the young Fikayo Tomori.

This is not to say that the pursuing of Ben Chilwell should be stopped altogether. As stated above, adding the Englishman into the mix would instantly upgrade the left side of the defence for years to come. However, for right now, the role of the second centreback is more suspect than that of a left back. Go ahead and buy Chilwell, but don’t be surprised when the defence doesn’t become impenetrable after his arrival. The question marks hovering over who can be Rudiger’s partner will remain with or without Chilwell on the left flank.

There is roughly 900 minutes for Christensen or Zouma to prove they are the better option of the two going forward at Stamford Bridge. Before shelling out close to £80 million on the likes of Chilwell, Chelsea and Lampard would be wise to hold their breath and figure out the best option at centreback before pursuing a player in a position that could be covered adequately in the short term.