Chelsea Complete The Capture Of English Defender: A Wise Move By The European Champs? | OneFootball

In an Instagram post, Dylan Williams has confirmed that he has joined Chelsea in this January transfer window. Earlier reports from The Sun had claimed that the Premier League giants had agreed a fee with Derby County over the imminent transfer for Williams, who is set to join the club’s reserve ranks.

Who Is Dylan Williams?

A product of the Derby County youth academy, Dylan Williams was regarded as one of the most gifted youngsters in the club’s youth setup. He had been a part of the academy since an early age and consistently represented the reserve side in Premier League 2, before eventually gaining promotion to the senior side last summer.

A left-back by trade, Williams had raised a lot of eyebrows with his attacking ability on the flanks, coupled with his speed and athleticism. The 18-year-old is quite versatile as well, with the youngster capable of operating as an out and out winger and even as a central midfielder, if required.

Although yet to make his professional breakthrough, Williams has featured in six matches in the Championship this term, playing in a variety of roles for Wayne Rooney’s side. He was notably involved in the 1-0 triumph over Blackpool in December, which happened to be his last game for the club.

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Darnell Furlong of West Bromwich Albion is challenged by Dylan Williams of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Derby County at The Hawthorns on September 14, 2021 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

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How Does He Fit In At Chelsea?

Dylan Williams’ addition to Chelsea is highly unsurprising as the club is desperate for reinforcements in the fullback department, in light of Reece James and Ben Chilwell’s injuries.

Williams is set to be drafted into the reserve side, which currently has no other recognised left-back. It should make the job easier for the 18-year-old to become the primary alternative for Marcos Alonso, especially if Chelsea fail to sign a new defender before the transfer window slams shut after the end of the season.

In fact, it won’t be surprising to see Williams training with the Chelsea first-team sooner rather than later, as Thomas Tuchel looks to incorporate the youngster into the rigours of the English top-flight.

At the same time, the former Derby County youngster must make an impression in the Elite Development Squad if he is to be truly considered as senior team material over the coming months.