Why Chelsea can let go of Emerson and buy a new left-back
According to a report in the Guardian, Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri is a subject of interest from Italian champions Juventus. The Brazilian has been a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge, chiefly acting as an understudy to Marcos Alonso. The Old Lady are tracking the 24-year-old to provide cover to their first-choice left-back Alex Sandro.
Emerson has featured only twice in the Premier League thus far, playing the cup games more often than not. Ever since he arrived at the Bridge last January under the tutelage of Antonio Conte for a fee rising up to £24m, the Brazilian hasn’t made the mark.
Now, with Maurizio Sarri at the helm, he has been out in the fringes when it comes to playing the important games. Hence, the best move for both parties would be to let the player leave. By doing so, Emerson will get more game time elsewhere and Chelsea can reduce the wage bill.
However, the Blues’ left-back problem needs depth and here’s why they should buy a new player for that position soon:
Alonso isn’t that secured as well
Marcos Alonso is Chelsea’s first-choice left-back but in hindsight, the Spaniard hasn’t been that good in terms of being secured at the back before making forays up the pitch.
He was a revelation under Conte in a three-man defence system as the 28-year-old played as a left wing-back. At the time, he had the security of three centre-backs and hence, enjoyed the freedom to go forward and join the attack.
After the departure of the previous manager, there were questions as to whether the player would harness the same impact in a back four. To be fair to him, he started the season well but his influence has diminished lately.
A perfect example was when he almost went into the attacking midfield position, leaving the left-side blank against Manchester United. As a result, Eden Hazard had to drop back and track the run of Marcus Rashford.
A few weeks ago, Chelsea lost to Leicester City at home and the fans had enough of the left-back, who was exposed on the counter again. Hence, if we culminate what’s being said in this article, we can conclude that the Blues need to buy a high-quality left-back if they are to challenge for the league title next season.