Why Nicolas Tagliafico to Chelsea is an incredibly smart move [THREAD]

Reports are circulating that Chelsea will either sign Alex Telles from Porto or Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax. The fee for Tagliafico or Telles would be relatively cheap as well, rumours around the 25-40m mark. https://twitter.com/LDNFootbalI/status/1265617459538780160

Comparisons

With the current Chelsea full backs, we know Alonso & Emerson lack consistency, especially defensively whilst both are better going forward. Not much to read into from the heat maps but Ajax are highly dominant in their league so naturally he is higher up the pitch.

Defensively

He is naturally more defensive minded as a full back than the current Chelsea defenders: has more tackles, blocks & interceptions than the current Chelsea left backs. His style is more of a Ferland Mendy or even Andy Robertson sharing that willingness & aggression.

This clip shows that he covers well, he’s strong in the tackle & has the legs to track back & help with counter attacks. Also a big fan of how he presses an attacker, putting pressure on them when they receive the ball where Emerson or Alonso are usually pretty reactionary.

Attacking

5G & 7A across all comps this year is a solid return from someone who isn’t necessarily a strong attacking full back. Despite that, he has a lot of quality & variety. Scoring headers, drifting inside, crossing low or deep or pulling it back for late runners.

Passing

His passing quality is good, averaging 50 passes per game, with a high success rate of 85% (better than Alonso, same as Emerson) Being part of the Ajax philosophy for a few seasons means he can play with the ball & he would add that to this Chelsea team.

Verdict

Telles is more of an attacking full back whilst Tagliafico is a more well-rounded full back imo. With Reece James being more of an attacking full back, perhaps having a more well-rounded, solid defender is more important than Telles’ attacking instincts.

It’s been a long time since Chelsea had a solid defender at left back. Azpilicueta was very good there out of position, but this could be a chance to improve an area which has been a cause for concern for a long time. With Arsenal also interested, it’s a deal we should make.

Having someone with a lot of experience for club & country, Tagliafico could be a smart move considering the price, his age & the fact he is in his prime years. My mind has turned from Telles, Chilwell & Grimaldo to the hard-working, tenacious & all-round full back in Tagliafico.

End of thread, hope you enjoyed! Let me know your thoughts on who Chelsea should sign, RT's and Likes appreciated!
Stats - @WhoScored
Video credit - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqGZyRpy4rwxV326Cj3KQMQ