5 reasons Chelsea fans should be excited about Axel Disasi
Amidst reports that Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Axel Disasi from French side Monaco, we take a look at five reasons why supporters of Mauricio Pochettino's side should be excited at the prospect of the Frenchman potentially moving to Old Trafford this summer.
With Chelsea in the market for a new centre-back following injury to Wesley Fofana, Disasi could yet prove a handy pick up for the Blues as they seek to return to the Champions League following a disappointing season.
He's strong in the air
While fewer teams play a direct approach nowadays, it is still handy if your centre-back can handle the rough and tumble of playing against strikers who prefer the ball in the air as a means of hurting opponents. In this instance, the 25-year-old is more than capable of holding his own against more physical strikers.
Of the 143 players to contest 50 or more headed battles in Ligue 1 last season, Disasi's aerial success rate of 70.3% ranked ninth in the division. Room for improvement, of course, but given Chelsea ranked 13th for aerial duels won per game (13.1) and returned an aerial success rate of 52.1% last season, Disasi would help boost both figures.
He'd help Chelsea get forward quickly
Chelsea struggled for goals last season having scored just 38 times in the Premier League. They also scored just once from counter attacks in England's top tier last term, that coming in a 4-1 loss at Manchester United back in May.
As such, Disasi has the vision and distribution to help spring lightening quick counters. Indeed, 141 accurate long balls ranked 15th in Ligue 1 last season to reinforce a WhoScored style of play of 'Likes to play long balls'. It could prove the ideal match between player and club were Chelsea to get this one over the line.
Aiding Chelsea in front of goal!?
If there was one thing Chelsea lacked last season, it was a serious goal threat from set-pieces. Indeed, they scored the fifth fewest goals from set-pieces, excluding penalties (8), in the Premier League last season. By comparison, Disasi scored three goals in France's top tier last term, all of which were from set-piece situations.
With the creative personnel at Mauricio Pochettino's disposal, that return should be higher. As such, the addition of Disasi would add another goal threat to Chelsea, and one that would help the Argentine enjoy a fruitful debut campaign at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea's centre-back options would improve
Chelsea didn't have the worst defensive record in the Premier League last season, but injury to defender Wesley Fofana coupled with the departure of Kalidou Koulibaly leaves the Blues short of options at the back.
The France international would arrive with top-level experience for both club and country, and while Monaco didn't have the best defensive record in Ligue 1 last season, much of that is down to the expansive, open attacking football the French side play. Losing Disasi will be a blow for Monaco, but a huge boost for Chelsea.
Versatility at the back
Disasi's best position is at centre-back, but he is a versatile defender who can cover a couple of roles at the back. Indeed, he can operate at both the heart of the backline and at right-back, and as a defensive option for the latter, Chelsea could utilise the Monaco man to help tighten up defensively depending on the opponent.
Chelsea are believed to have reached an agreement in principle with Monaco for the signing of the defender and even for the rumoured price tag of €45m, he could prove a solid pick up.
