In a summer that has seen many of Chelsea’s first team players leave under the new management of Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues are set to sign Axel Disasi in an attempt to add some exciting talent to their backline.
After Kalidou Koulibaly and Cesar Azpilicueta’s departures to Saudi Arabia and Atletico Madrid respectively, and another serious injury to Wesley Fofana, it was clear that Chelsea needed extra depth in defence.
Disasi is a French international and appeared in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, and became a key part of Monaco’s defence in his time there. It was reported on Sunday that Chelsea and Monaco have agreed a fee just shy of £40m.
Here’s how he’ll benefit Chelsea this season.
Versatility
Approaching his prime at 25-years-old, Disasi has played frequently at both right-back and centre-back during his time at Monaco. This will be valuable for Pochettino – Reece James is one of the best full backs in the world when fully fit but has often struggled with injuries, meaning that Disasi would be an excellent option on the right side of defence.
James is a versatile player in his own right – if Chelsea are to play him further up the right flank or even in midfield next to Enzo Fernandez, Disasi will provide a strong defensive option against some of the English Premier League’s most dangerous left wingers.
Disasi stands at 6 foot 3 inches and is a big physical presence for opposition attackers to deal with. If Pochettino is to pair him at centre-back with fellow former Monaco man Benoit Badiashile, strikers across the country will have to be prepared for a serious battle.
Thiago Silva is still Chelsea’s first choice centre-back and will definitely be able to help Disasi develop as a player, but at 38-years-of-age will be unlikely to start every game for Chelsea as he did in previous seasons.
Playing Style
Disasi has been praised for his energetic and physical style of play. He is an effective option for managers to play in a deep block, where he can attack the ball both on the floor and in the air in order to clear danger.
When playing at right-back, the Frenchman frequently uses his long legs to slide in and nick the ball away from attackers. This is a useful skill to have, but one that he will have to be careful with when up against the league’s best wingers.
The likes of Jack Grealish, Gabriel Martinelli and Marcus Rashford are experts at taking their opposing man on, and if he over-commits too early to challenges then he could find himself in trouble.
Disasi’s aerial presence isn’t just a skill that he uses in his own box, either. He scored 10 goals across his three seasons at Monaco and will be a serious threat from set pieces in the opposition area.
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