Chelsea made big mistake selling star who’s now worth more than Nkunku
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Chelsea’s Defensive Struggles In the wake of Todd Boehly’s takeover in May 2022, Chelsea finds itself grappling with defensive vulnerabilities. Under Mauricio Pochettino’s management, the team has conceded a staggering 57 goals in the current Premier League season, including a recent setback against Arsenal where they let in five goals. The defensive line, currently manned by Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashle, who came with hefty price tags of £38.5m and £35m respectively, is further weakened by the impending departure of seasoned defender Thiago Silva, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Missed Opportunity: Nathan Ake’s Legacy at Chelsea Reflecting on past decisions, Chelsea could have avoided additional expenditures had they retained Nathan Ake, whose stellar performances post-Blues departure have been noteworthy. A product of Chelsea’s youth setup, Ake, now 29, joined the club from Feyenoord in July 2011. Despite sporadic appearances during his time at Stamford Bridge, including a brief stint in the 2012/13 Premier League season, Ake struggled to secure a permanent spot in the first team. Loan spells followed, with Ake eventually departing for Bournemouth in a £20m deal in 2017, a move that would pave the way for his ascent in the English top flight.
Ake’s Ascendancy at Manchester City Fast forward to 2024, Nathan Ake has flourished beyond expectations, emerging as a linchpin in Manchester City’s defensive setup. With 41 appearances in the previous season and 39 already in the current campaign, Ake’s impact has been profound. Despite City’s hefty £41m investment in his services, justified by his consistent performances, Ake’s market value has surged to £51m, a testament to his prowess on the field. Described as “unbelievable” by teammate Jack Grealish, Ake’s versatility extends beyond central defense, offering cover at left-back—a position plagued by Chelsea’s woes, particularly with Ben Chilwell’s injury struggles.
The Lament of Chelsea Fans As Chelsea grapples with defensive setbacks, the absence of Nathan Ake looms large. His seamless integration into Pochettino’s squad, amidst injury woes plaguing the likes of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, underscores the missed opportunity for Chelsea. With every game, Chelsea fans rue the decision to part ways with Ake, a decision echoing Antonio Conte’s tenure as Blues boss.
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