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Three possible Marcos Alonso replacements for Chelsea

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

Union Berlin's Austrian defender Christopher Trimmel (L) and Leipzig's Spanish defender Angelino vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig v Union Berlin in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on April 23, 2022. - DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
Union Berlin's Austrian defender Christopher Trimmel (L) and Leipzig's Spanish defender Angelino vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig v Union Berlin in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on April 23, 2022. - DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images) /
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SINSHEIM, GERMANY – JULY 06: David Raum of TSG Hoffenheim poses during the team presentation at the club’s training ground on July 06, 2022 in Zuzenhausen, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
SINSHEIM, GERMANY – JULY 06: David Raum of TSG Hoffenheim poses during the team presentation at the club’s training ground on July 06, 2022 in Zuzenhausen, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) /

1. David Raum (1899 Hoffenheim)

David Raum was simply sensational last season and for many different reasons, as well. Raum ranked in the 99th percentile for assists per 90, expected assists per 90 and shot-creating actions per 90. He was very good in helping his team (Hoffenheim) stretch play as he ranked in the 86th percentile for progressive passes received amongst fullbacks in Europe’s top leagues. Raum’s pressing was very good as he made 13.5 pressures per 90. The 24-year-old made 1.5 interceptions per 90 per fbref. He also attempted 2.2 tackles per 90.

Raum’s most impressive numbers, though, came in chance creation. He completed a whopping 1.8 crosses into the penalty area per 90. For comparison, Trent Alexander-Arnold completed 0.82 crosses into the penalty area per 90 for Liverpool last season. Raum also created more big chances in the league (19) than any other fullback in Europe’s top leagues. Yes, that includes the sensational Alexander-Arnold (18), as well. Had Raum played in the Premier League, that number would have been good enough to beat every player in the English top flight except for Tottenham‘s Harry Kane, who also managed 19. Raum racked up a magnificent 11 assists last season too.

While Raum may not be quite as prolific as Alonso in front of goal—as he is not as willing to get into goalscoring positions—but with what he does provide, he doesn’t need to necessarily do that. Raum made 4.2 shot-creating Actions per 90, which is impressive, especially for a team like Hoffenheim. Imagine how much that level of shot creation would impact a top team like Chelsea. Raum also contributed to goals, albeit indirectly, making 0.6 goal creating actions per 90. This is a number that put him ahead of 99% of fullbacks measured last season. The positives of adding Raum to the Blues’ roster could not be overemphasized, although he would cost Chelsea a premium because his contract runs through 2026.

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