Chelsea’s signing of Saul is not just for midfield depth

The 2021 summer transfer window will long be remembered as one of the most active of all-time. Two of football’s greatest ever players, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both moved to different clubs and an absurd amount of money was spent across the European continent. Chelsea was an important participant in the proceedings, bringing Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge and adding the Spanish central midfielder, Saul Niguez on a one-year loan from Atletico Madrid.

Many Blues’ supporters, including myself, are very excited about Saul’s arrival as it adds another elite-level competitor to the team’s already-stacked selection of midfielders. While he has failed to reach his top form over the past few seasons, the 26-year-old is primed to be a crucial player under Thomas Tuchel. Fitness issues and an overall abundance of matches will make rotation particularly essential this season, making Saul especially important. Considering how well-rounded all four of Chelsea’s men in the middle are, they should expect to dominate the heart of every pitch throughout the campaign. Saul is much more than a depth addition though.

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Chelsea’s acquisition of Saul is much more than just deepening the midfield

Saul’s time in the Spanish capital looked to be coming to an end with the signing of Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese, although the final nail in the coffin was apparently Antoine Griezmann’s shock return to Atleti. There were last-minute questions about the Spaniard’s transfer when it looked like Griezmann’s could be in jeopardy, but in the end, the Blues forked out €5 million in loan fees with a €40 million option to buy. With all the paperwork and agreements in the rearview mirror, the biggest question becomes Saul’s role in west London.

Much of the social media speculation prior to the loan’s completion suggested that Saul would occupy the fourth spot on the depth chart for central midfielders behind Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, and Mateo Kovacic. While he may enter the squad in that position, he will be regularly competing for a place in the Chelsea starting XI by the end of the year. Tuchel has already demonstrated his ability to bring the best out of struggling players with Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Alonso, just to name a few, and will surely do the same with the Blues’ newest recruit.

One aspect of Saul’s game that differentiates him from the other Chelsea midfielders is his goal-scoring ability. He scored at least four goals in five of his seven seasons with Los Rojiblancos, and developed a reputation for doing so with style. Most supporters will probably have seen his terrific solo effort against Bayern Munich circulating on social media by now, as an example. While Jorginho is consistently ice-cold from the penalty spot, Saul’s added offensive production from open play will be a welcome addition to Tuchel’s squad.

From a distance, Atletico’s former No. 8 appears to possess the same win-at-all-costs mentality that the Blues’ boss has instilled in his players, likely as a result of Diego Simeone’s tutelage. Saul has an impressive trophy cabinet for a player that is just entering his prime, which includes two Europa Leagues, a Copa del Rey, a Spanish Super Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and a La Liga title from the most recent campaign. His desire to achieve great things at Chelsea will allow him to fit in quickly with his teammates, as will his prior friendships with compatriots Cesar Azpilicueta and Kepa Arrizablaga.

All of this to say, Chelsea’s loan move for Saul is not merely an addition for depth. The Spanish international is still a talented and versatile player who will be utilized often in different roles, depending on the team’s needs. Especially considering Kante’s unreliable fitness so far this season, Saul could make an immediate impact in the coming weeks with the beginning of the Champions League and League Cup. By next May, the €40 million option will look like a bargain.

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