Chelsea: Why is Frank Lampard so set on Ben Chilwell?

Ben Chilwell to Chelsea has heightened in the past 48 hours. What can the Stamford Bridge faithful expect from the current Leicester City left back?

Marina Granovskaia is on the verge of completing Chelsea’s third summer signing as a deal for Ben Chilwell has recently made a breakthrough. Various media outlets have reported that the Leicester City fullback will soon become Frank Lampard’s third signing as Chelsea boss The Times and The Express are some of the publications to break the news.

The rumor has been circulating for several weeks now but over the past 48 hours, the likeliness has heightened.

Lampard is on the hunt for a left back this summer. This position of the field has been an issue throughout the 2019/20 season. Opposition teams have exploited the left hand side after the defensive fragilities of Marcos Alonso and Emerson have been highlighted.

Throughout the season, a switch between a back three and a back four was implemented between the coaching staff. Part of this was due to the personnel within the armory. Alonso and Emerson are more styled to a wingback due to their attacking mindset. This leaves the club without a proper, out and out left back.

What can Chelsea fans expect from Chilwell in the role? The number three broke onto the scene in 2015 after making his debut for The Foxes against Hull City in the Carabao Cup. His reputation has risen ever since and he is now valued at £80 million by his club.

He fits the Lampard mold to perfection with his energy and willingness to create chances. Chelsea scored 69 Premier League throughout the 19/20 season, averaging 1.8 goals per game. Lampard will hope Chilwell can improve this next season, supplying a useful outlet on the left hand side.

There is one thing that hangs over the head of the 23-year-old. Many Leicester fans will say he too lacks defensive capabilities. Does this question the signing? The fee involved for a left back who could maintain an exploited area for Chelsea?

There is no doubt he has a big future. His four goals and nine assists in 99 top flight games shows his involvement. He averages a goal contribution every 7.61 games.

Despite being criticized for his work rate going backwards, he currently has a tackle success rate of 63 percent. His 157 tackles mean he can successfully defend. The issue has always been positioning and concentration.

The good news is that this can be changed. It is not a skill; it is a case of increasing the work rate and overall maturity of a footballer.

The hope is that under the stewardship of Lampard and his coaching staff, the Milton Keynes born defender can be transformed into a world class fullback. Obviously, it is all ifs and buts, but one would think that spending a potential world record fee for a left back will mean major time and investment into the individual.

Chilwell most recently impressed for Leicester against Watford when the Premier League returned post lock down. He hit a rocket into the top corner from outside the box to break the deadlock at Vicarage Road.

His next Premier League appearance, which will be his 100th, is expected to be under Lampard. He could join a Chelsea side that involves a host of brand-new faces, including Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.