Digne? Hernandez? Assessing Chelsea's possible left-back options
Chelsea are in the market for a new left-back to help bolster the position following Ben Chilwell’s long-term injury.
The ideal left-back for Chelsea would be on with exceptional stamina and the ability to run up and down the pitch with good attacking threats and great attacking and defensive awareness.
So here are some of the names being linked with a possible move to Stamford Bridge.
Lucas Digne
The Everton player has been frozen out of first-team action after multiple reports claiming he has fallen out with manager Rafa Benitez.
The French full-back is very balanced attacking and defensively which is exactly what Chelsea are looking for in the January transfer market, with Everton being open to a loan or a permanent deal for as low as €33 million.
One thing he lacks when compared to Ben Chilwell is his scoring ability as he tends to fumble his shots slightly in front of the goalkeeper, but his crossing and ability to swing first time crosses in awkward positions is beyond exceptional.
One thing Digne could improve is his awareness but under Tuchel's management this could easily improve.
Rating: 8.5/0
Emerson Palmieri
Emerson is having a relatively good season in Ligue with Lyon, where he is currently on loan from Chelsea.
But Lyon is rejecting every possible form of a recall from the London team, and the recall of the Italian international would be a cheap alternative but would also carry a lot of risks.
Could his recall disrupt his form? Could he shape up to replicate Marcos Alonso’s dull form? Decisions like this could really decide Chelsea’s title-challenging season.
Rating: 5/10
Theo Hernandez
Probably one of the tallest and most popular target is Theo Hernandez.
He has made a name for himself for guiding AC Milan to becoming one of the top teams in Italy once again, and his play style is everything Chelsea want: great attacking threat and defensive brilliance.
People could debate he’s even better than Ben Chilwell.
It could cost Chelsea a great deal to sign him, and they would have bring out the cheque books as it would be hard to budge Milan’s €70-100 million price tag.
He would fit perfectly into the system and could help push Chelsea back into the title race
Rating: 8/10
Nicolas Tagliafico
The Argentine has spent four great years at Ajax, most prominently being a vital part in their 2018-19 UEFA Champions League run.
Tagliafico, who is turning 30 next year, is in his prime and if he slowly starts to decline, it would give Chilwell a fair chance to get game fit and back into the side.
Nicolas has exceptional defending and attacking skills, and he would be a perfect fit for the short-term at left-back for the European champions.
Rating: 8.5/10
Who do you think Chelsea will get to replace Chilwell?
