Transfer Speculation
As per one of the latest reports by Metro, Chelsea are interested to lure Newcastle United’s defender, Jamaal Lascelles, to the Stamford Bridge in the summer to beef up their defensive ranks. The Blues are believed to be plotting a £30million move for Lascelles after he managed to chisel a decent season in the top flight after the promotion of the Toon.
Fact File
Lascelles emerged through the youth ranks of Nottingham Forest and was then promoted to their senior side. He made a decent impact at Stevenage after he was loaned out of the City Ground for a couple of months and after his return, he featured regularly for the Tricky Trees.
Despite having signed for Newcastle United in the summer of 2014, he was loaned back to Nottingham Forest. He made his debut for the Magpies during the 2015-16 season and has featured regularly under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez. Apparently, he is seen by Chelsea as John Terry’s heir.
Attributes
The 24-year-old is a strong central defender who has a commanding presence at the back. He is good in the air, thanks to his appealing physicality and reads the attacking endeavours of the opposition in an exceptionally brilliant manner.
He has accumulated plenty of experience of English football under his belt and is someone who wouldn’t act in a timorous manner in the moments of danger. Besides, he gallops forward regularly and is a handy asset for Benitez’s side during the set-pieces.
Apart from that, Lascelles has been proving his mettle as a leader as well as he marshals the back line and is frequently found commanding his fellow defenders. However, he has been criticized at times for the lack of tackles but he should be able to brush himself in the coming seasons.
Season So Far
He has carved a decent season so far in the Premier League this season, having scored 3 goals in 26 appearances for his club. Moreover, he has made 0.8 tackle, 0.8 interception, 6.7 clearances and 0.8 blocks per game on an average and has been a regular figure in the starting line-up of Newcastle United.
Why Chelsea Need Him?
The Blues have not been very convincing this season and reinforcements would be needed in the summer. Chelsea did sign Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen last summer and neither of them has flattered to deceive.
But Chelsea do need a leader at the back apart from their requirement of injecting more quality to their defence and the Englishman has the potential to meet their needs.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
