There has been considerable news stemming from German journalist Christian Falk about Chelsea being linked with Austrian Superstar David Alaba.
This piece gives the lowdown on Bayern Munich‘s 28-year-old centre back, and why he may be the long-term solution in defence.
David Alaba – Right Deal, Right Time?
Many fans are surprised that Chelsea are in the running for a player of Alaba’s calibre. He is at the peak of his game playing for the European Champions.
However, I believe Chelsea fans should be optimistic about the prospect of this deal either in January or in the summer.
Alaba’s contract is up next summer allowing him to talk to clubs from January. Also, Alaba’s agent is Pini Zahavi a long time friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, and has a good relationship with the club – helping to broker deals for many players to the club including the likes of Petr Cech and Didier Drogba.
It is clear that Frank Lampard loves versatile players and Alaba is no different. He has played prominently throughout his career at left back, but has also played on occasions in midfield. However, in the last year Alaba has been converted to a left sided centre back by Bayern boss Hamsi Flick to great effect.
Player Skillset
Alaba’s ability on the ball, combined with his brilliant athleticism and reading of the game was key in Bayern’s treble-winning campaign last year. This led some to call Alaba the best centre-back in the world, with Football Daily including him in their Team of the Season for last year.
Blues fans experienced Alaba first-hand last season – dictating the game extremely well from deep and ensuring Chelsea were prevented from seriously threatening in both legs.
Some are also questioning where Alaba might fit – especially considering the brilliant form of Chelsea’s defence so far this season. However, I believe that Alaba would be a mainstay alongside any of Silva, Zouma or Christensen. With none of Chelsea’s current first-team defenders being left-footed, the signing of Alaba would be a no brainer. Rudiger and Zouma struggle have struggled when playing on the left-hand side – especially attempting to play out from the back. The addition of Alaba would ensure this would be vastly improved.
David Alaba: The Stats
Last season, Alaba had a tackle win percentage which is the same as Kurt Zouma. His pass percentage was 91% last season which is better then any of Chelsea’s centre backs. Perhaps surprisingly, Alaba managed eleven passes into the final third per 90 – demonstrating his playmaking ability. Alaba also ranked second in the Bundesliga for progressive passes.
It is clear to see that Alaba is great on the ball from these stats. However, Alaba is less good in the air – with his aerial win percentage sitting at only 44%. This, for the record, was worse than any of Chelsea’s centre backs.
It is clear to see the quality that Alaba would bring to Chelsea’s back four. Clearly, his deficiencies in the air would be more then made up with his ability on the ball and on the floor. Playing alongside someone so aerially dominant like Kurt Zouma or Thiago Silva would also help.
The signing of David Alaba would really show the rest of Europe that Chelsea are truly committed to becoming a European giant again. With Chelsea supposedly ahead of the likes of PSG, Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race to sign Alaba. Let’s hope that Marina Granovskaia can use her negotiating to secure the centre back for the back end of this season or the next.
Written by Matthew Hedge (@CFCHedgey)
Edited by Tom Overend (@tovers98)