After losing a whole host of defenders at the end of their contracts, Chelsea look to have set their sights on one of Europe’s hottest defenders in Matthijs de Ligt. The Blues lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, while Thiago Silva is 37 years of age.
It seems like De Ligt has been on the block for ages, making a name as a child, breaking into the Dutch national team as a 17-year-old, whilst gaining Champions League experience with Ajax.
De Ligt has an abundance of experience despite being just 22 years of age. He’s already featured in the Champions League for Ajax, as mentioned, as well as Juventus, while also playing at the European Championships and the UEFA Nations League, where he played an instrumental role in guiding the Netherlands to a runner-up finish.
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He’s got the resume to fit in at Chelsea, while also holding all the tools to succeed. De Ligt is a serial winner, already claiming a league and cup double for Ajax, while he has also won the league and cup in Italy with Juve.
The 22-year-old defender with a 6”2’ frame has excellent aerial abilities, is comfortable with both feet and can play out from the back in possession – much like a Chelsea legend we’ve all grown to love: John Terry.
Like Terry, De Ligt is well-establishing himself as one of the best defenders on the planet at a very young age. Already, De Ligt has won the 2018 Golden Boy award, got the Ajax Talent of the Future accolade, Dutch Player of the Year and has been in a bunch of Team of the Years, including the Eredivisie, Europa League, Champions League and FIFPro World 11, as well as UEFA Team of the Year.
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De Ligt has played in a back three and a back four and has been a success at both, making him a mainstay in Thomas Tuchel’s team should his move be finalised. He’s got all the leadership qualities to be a great captain, as shown already at his previous clubs and national team.
This looks like an exciting era ahead for Chelsea with Todd Boehly handing out the necessary funds to compete again at the highest level. Exciting eras need exciting players and De Ligt is just that and more.
The defence is already being eyed, with up to six signings promised, with a senior source telling The Telegraph last month that Tuchel needs to have a good defence and foundation.
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"The key is to basically work with Tuchel to come up with the best players that are available.
"We really want to make sure we have a good defence. We've got depth in midfield. We're not desperate for an out-and-out striker.
“Fortunately, there's reasonable opportunities in the market right now in order to satisfy the fans' desire to be competitive.
"I think it's a combination of moves and there's five or six that we're going to look to make.”
Chelsea will have a new-look defence this season, and after failing to build on their prolific early-season form last year, a rebuild is certainly needed with De Ligt at the forefront of the project.
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They have Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill among the ranks, while the futures of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are unclear amid interest from Barcelona.
Reece James and Ben Chilwell are set to play a big role as the wing-backs for the Blues, but the central part of the defence is key, which is why De Ligt is seen as a central part to Tuchel's plans next term.
Now it’s just a case of what fee is paid, or deal that is enough to convince Juventus to part ways in order for him to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Topics: Chelsea, Matthijs De Ligt, Juventus, Thomas Tuchel
Chadley Nagel