Chelsea have been facing problems in their backline since the past 2-3 years. However, they didn’t have such major problems regarding their backline before. In 2020-21 Premier League campaign the Blues only conceded 36 goals, the second least amongst all. Following that, the next season they only conceded 33 goals. These are considered as good numbers in any top European leagues.
But Ever since the departures of Rudiger and Christensen in 2022, the Blues have been performing very poor in defense. In the last two seasons Chelsea have conceded a total of 110 goals in the Premier League. That means they concede 1.44 goals per 90 minutes in the league. This is a pretty bad downgrade for a top club like Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca, who has adapted the role of the Blues manager pretty well so far, would not like to be haunted by that problem too. But the defense problem has already started to tease the Italian. As Chelsea have already conceded 11 goals in 10 matches across all competitions this season.
Current backline of the Blues
Currently the Blues have 5 proper central defenders in their squad. The list includes-
- Wesley Fofana
- Levi Colwill
- Axel Disasi
- Benoit Badiashile
- Tosin Adarabioyo
Most of these names were known in European football before they joined Chelsea. But ever since they joined the Blues, they have became more famous due to their poor display in the pitch. This comments especially applies for Badiashile and Adarabioyo, from whom Chelsea had a lots of hope.
Fofana and Colwill are the starting center backs so far under Maresca. Though Colwill’s performance has been decent so far, but Fofana is performing very average. His sloppy mistakes has caused many problems for the Blues goalkeeper.
Due to Chelsea attacking prowess they have managed to get through some games. But they will not be able to score goals against top clubs as easily as they are scoring against every other team. As we have already seen how easily City thrashed them in the opening matchday of the Premier League. So, Maresca needs to look through their defensive structure asap.
As of now rumors are coming out saying, Chelsea will reinforce their backline this Winter. And a young Brazilian defender from the Premier League is one of their targets.
Chelsea to sign Murillo?
Recently Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that Chelsea are monitoring various options to reinforce their defense. And one of the names that have emerged so far includes Nottingham Forest‘s Murillo. The 22-year-old defender has been doing impressive work ever since he joined the Forests last season.
The Brazilian has already became a regular starter for them. Murillo has started in all the six league games so far this season. His style of play is very simple but effective, like an old school defender. Murillo always stays focused on the pitch, and never takes too much risk with ball. Not only he has enormous strength but also can play long balls.
Murillo can be a great option for the Blues, who can adapt to Maresca’s system easily. And Chelsea would also be happy to have a player like him as they will be desperate to move on from the likes of Disasi and Badiashile.
Fabrizio opens up about Murillo and Chelsea links
Fabrizio have talked about Murillo and Chelsea to CaughtOffside for his recent Daily Briefing column. And the Italian journalist have confirmed the links between the two parties. But he also stated that there hasn’t been any concreate talks as of now.
“So guys, I’ve seen the rumours about Murillo and Chelsea, and what I can say is that Chelsea are following several players in the Centre-back position but no talks taking place yet. There are so many links but there’s nothing concrete or really advanced now.”
It is also clear that Forest will not let Murillo go in cheap. As they will be asking for more than £50million. And it will not be a easy job for Chelsea to pull off the deal. And top European clubs like Juventus are also interested in the Brazilian. As Fabrizio mentioned,
“Murillo would be very expensive for any club as when Juventus thought about him last summer, Nottingham Forest didn’t want to open the doors for him to leave.”
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