“He’s available” – Chelsea plot raid for “beast” who’s better than Disasi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea’s Defensive Shake-Up: Disasi Out, Gomez In?
Axel Disasi’s Future at Chelsea in Doubt
Despite joining Chelsea just last summer, French defender Axel Disasi finds himself among those who might be leaving Stamford Bridge this transfer window. Since Enzo Maresca took over as manager, there’s been a stronger emphasis on ball-playing abilities in the defense, which has seemingly pushed Disasi down the pecking order behind the likes of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill.
Disasi, who has reportedly attracted interest from Newcastle United, made 44 appearances for Chelsea last season, contributing three goals and helping secure ten clean sheets in his 3,690 minutes on the pitch. However, with Maresca’s new approach, Disasi’s future at the club appears uncertain, and he may soon be shown the door.
Chelsea Eyeing Joe Gomez as a Potential Replacement
Amid the speculation around Disasi, reports from TEAMtalk suggest that Chelsea could target Liverpool defender Joe Gomez before the summer transfer window closes. Liverpool is reportedly open to selling the England international if they receive an appropriate offer, and Gomez has emerged as a top candidate on Chelsea’s shortlist for defensive reinforcements.
Gomez played 51 games across all competitions for Liverpool last season, providing three assists and contributing to 14 clean sheets in his 3,133 minutes on the field. Known for his versatility, Gomez filled in at right-back for 25 appearances, left-back for 19, central defense for five, and even as a defensive midfielder for two games. This flexibility makes him an attractive option for Chelsea, especially under Maresca’s system.
Comparing Disasi and Gomez
Both Disasi and Gomez have shown versatility by playing as right-backs during last season, with Disasi stepping in eight times due to Reece James’ injuries. This kind of adaptability is crucial for Chelsea, and Gomez, who has demonstrated it in abundance, could be a key asset.
Back in 2018, Troy Deeney described Gomez as a “beast” of a player, predicting that he could be England’s center-half for the next 15 years. While Gomez hasn’t quite fulfilled that prophecy, only making 15 appearances for the national team, his defensive skills remain highly valuable.
Gomez outperformed Disasi in several key defensive metrics last season, doubling Disasi’s average tackles per 90 minutes with 2.37 and nearly doubling his interceptions with 1.09 per 90. Although Disasi attempted more passes with a higher completion rate, this might be attributed to Gomez’s role as a fullback, which involved fewer touches in build-up play, or due to the more progressive nature of Gomez’s passes.
Gomez averages 0.99 more progressive passes, 0.19 more passes into the final third, and 0.93 more progressive carries per 90 minutes than Disasi. These stats align well with Maresca’s emphasis on progressing play through the lines, whether by passing or carrying the ball.
The Potential Impact of Signing Gomez
Bringing in Gomez could represent an ideal upgrade to Chelsea’s backline, giving Maresca the tactical flexibility he desires. It would also pave the way for Disasi’s departure, aligning with the club’s evolving defensive strategy. As the transfer window nears its close, Chelsea’s moves in the market will be pivotal in shaping their prospects for the upcoming season.
