A Stamford Bridge Too Far
·13 July 2020
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsA Stamford Bridge Too Far
·13 July 2020
According to the Athletic, Matthew Upson has urged Chelsea to prioritise signing a central defender over Kai Havertz.
The Blues have already reinforced their attack by bringing in both Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. Chelsea continue to be linked with Kai Havertz, with the German international keen on a new challenge.
Upson believes Chelsea will not challenge for the title unless they tighten themselves at the back. Our ineptitude in defence was laid bare at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United ran amok.
“If they want to compete for the title, it is an area they have to get sorted out.”
Signing Havertz will clearly send a strong statement to our rivals. But rather than strengthen us where needed, it makes us top-heavy and open at the back.
“That would have the biggest impact on their team getting better.”
A thrilling attack is a pleasure to watch but a solid defence can help ease the pressure on the forwards. It will be unreasonable for us to expect our forwards to score heavily in every game.
Chelsea have lacked a proper lead at the back since John Terry left the club. The former skipper was a rock at the back who ensured we were a tough team to score against.
We will need to recreate the same impact if we are to take the next step up to become title challengers.
Our predicament right now mirrors something that was experienced by Liverpool pre-2018. The Reds were exuberant in attack but prone to falling apart at the back.
Jurgen Klopp, to his credit, ensured he built a solid defence that is amongst the best right now. It is no coincidence that they have new transcended from being also-rans to champions.
We will be foolish not to do the same.
Live