Chelsea’s new manager, Frank Lampard, is looking to sign more players for the blues in the coming transfer window. One of the positions where he definitely needs some adjustment is the left-back spot. Both Alonso and Emerson has been far too inconsistent this season and it looks like one of them has to move on now.
One name which is emerging in the recent reports which could head to Stamford Bridge as a replacement is that of Ajax’s left-back Nicolas Tagliafico. Nico was one of the important components of Ajax’s team which went to the semi-finals of UEFA Champions League two years back. Today, we look at three reasons why Lampard should not hesitate in signing the defender any long and jump-in before anyone gets him.
Defensively Robust
There’s a reason why Frank Lampard is neither impressed by Marcos Alonso and Emerson this season. They are not able to track their man and often venture forward, thus forcing Centre-backs to their job. This has forced Lampard to play Captain Cesar Azpilicueta on the left side of the defence at times. Azpilicueta offered solidarity but does not go ahead as much as he goes from the right-back spot.
In Eredivisie, Nicolas Tagliafico has made 2.5 tackles per game and almost two interceptions per game. The highly-rated South American, will surely make the defence more stable and compact. He had been playing in that positions throughout his career. Coming from Argentina, Nico is aggressive when defending. He likes to tackle and does not hesitate even if he has to go to ground for that. Not only defence, but he is also robust enough to attack forward. This season in Eredivisie he has scored 3 goals and assisted 4 times.
Flexibility
Chelsea will be signing Tagliafico as a left-back but he could easily be used as a centre-back. Chelsea quite often played in a 3-4-3 under Frank Lampard this season. Tagliafico could not only fill as a left wing-back but also has experience of playing as a left centre back spot. He’s played there for Independiente, his former team, when they used to play with three-man defence.
Marcos Alonso provides width when he plays as a wing-back but leaves space behind when he is asked to operate in a four-man defence. Thus, Tagliafico’s versatility will act as a major asset for Lampard as he will be able to switch from one system to another more comfortably.
Bargain of a signing
Other than Nicolas Tagliafico, Chelsea is targetting Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell and Porto’s Alex Telles. Both of these players won’t come cheaply. England’s international Ben Chilwell is rated highly in the market as many clubs circle for his signature. For the Foxes, he is one of the most important players and they won’t let him leave until a hefty fee is paid.
According to reports, Leicester City won’t be accepting any bid below than €60-€70 million. When compared to Nicolas Tagliafico, the Ajax’s left-back could be available at just only €25m. Even though two years are still left in his contract, Nicolas’ agent has stated that they are looking for a new opportunity elsewhere for the left-back.
