It was in the late January that a shock news just spread like wildfire in the west side of London where Chelsea Football Club’s captain, leader and legend John Terry announced that he will be departing at the end of the season and he’ll be seeking pastures anew! Chelsea’s refusal of lending him out a contract is evident and with Terry unlikely to stay it looks like Chelsea do have to get themselves involved in the market and rope in a world class defender who will ideally have to fill in the shoes of such a big hero, simply admired by the Chelsea fans.
Amidst all this, here are three proper Centre Backs who Chelsea can rope in and bolster their defence and gain depth.
1) Neven Subotic
*Six appearances throughout the season, it’s been a really frustrating campaign for the lanky Serbian Centre Back Neven Subotic who’s under Thomas Tuchel’s Dortmund right now. Irrespective of what Subotic has done over the years, somehow the Serbian finds himself to be out of the frame under Tuchel and only a move outside is expected to be good for him. Liverpool have been previously linked with Subotic due to Klopp’s connection but if Chelsea really do need him, they can hurry up and wrap up the defender. Watching his game-play the Serbian shows great leadership quality and control over the ball. He also maintains a really strong presence over the ball and keeps the forwards in check. Aerially as well subotic provides plus points and although he’s not very pacey, he is a brilliant reader of the game. Along with all this, Subotic can see out passes and provide some gorgeous balls over the top!
*Statistically speaking, Subotic has 34 appearances for Dortmund in the past two seasons. He has scored only two goals but he has created 13 chances for the club. He has an average passing distance of 22 metres and a passing accuracy of over 80%. Subotic has won 60% of the duels which is an incredible amount for any defender and along with this, he’s made up to 9 crucial interventions preventing the opposition from scoring.
Another advantage for Chelsea will be the possible partnership of Branislav Ivanovic and Never Subotic! The Serbian pair if put together is really intriguing.