Antonio Conte has begun his reign as Chelsea boss brightly with three consecutive wins, the latest of which was Tuesday night’s 3-2 victory against League One side Bristol Rovers in the League Cup. Despite having plenty in attack to cause problems for opponents in the Premier League, the defensive issues at the club have been laid bare for the Italian to address. The West Londoners have now shipped in four goals in three games and if they are to mount a serious challenge at the top of the table, they have got to put a stop to this woe.
Chelsea’s situation hasn’t been rendered any better with no significant activity in the transfer window for their rearguard. N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi remain their only acquisitions thus far and with their pursuit of Napoli centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly hitting a roadblock, given the Italian club’s astronomical asking price, Chelsea have decided to look elsewhere. Recent reports also indicate a 30-million-pound bid was made for AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli and that too was instantly turned down by the Serie A giants.
While things haven’t looked positive for Chelsea from a recruitment perspective, they have continued to be linked with several defenders. One name that catches the eye is Swiss fullback, Ricardo Rodriguez.
The 24-year-old currently plies his trade with Wolfsburg in Germany and has been indispensable for them ever since his big move from FC Zurich. Known as a dead ball specialist and a defender with an eye for goal, Rodriguez has emerged as one of the world’s leading attacking fullbacks and has earned praise from his current manager Dieter Hecking for his abilities. The Swiss international has scored 22 goals for the German giants, many of which have been penalties.
Defensively, Rodriguez is strong in the air and has a pace to burn, thereby allowing him to track back effectively. While his discipline has often been questioned by critics, his physical strength and ability to predict his opponents’ moves more often than not have been championed by his teammates. Rodriguez also has 41 caps for the Switzerland national team to his name and with his best years ahead of him, he remains one of Europe’s brightest prospects.
Conte and Chelsea could do with a talent like him right now. With Cesar Azpilicueta the only senior player available at left fullback, options are wafer thin for the club. Having offloaded Baba Rahman to Schalke on a season-long loan, Conte needs to sign a fullback capable of bombing down the flank and delivering pinpoint crosses while remaining defensively and tactically aware of his counterparts’ strengths. Rodriguez’s impeccable set piece skills are a bonus and with many clubs vying for his signature, it is imperative that Chelsea acts swiftly.
Reports indicate Rodriguez has told the Wolfsburg hierarchy he wishes to leave for pastures new. He would be a welcome addition to the Premier League and a major reinforcement for Chelsea. All that’s left to do is reach a mutual agreement and expedite the transfer.