Recently, the Daily Mail has reported that Leicester City have identified Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico as an ideal replacement for Ben Chilwell, who seems Chelsea bound at the moment. However, it is believed that the Foxes could face fierce competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the Argentine defender during this ongoing summer transfer window (via The Daily Mail).
Tagliafico’s Incredible Career At The Johan Cruijff ArenA
The 27-year-old had another outstanding campaign in Amsterdam as he produced several productive performances under Erik ten Hag’s guidance over the past 12 months. Tagliafico was involved in 38 matches for the Dutch giants in the previous campaign, scoring five goals and securing seven assists across all competitions.
The Argentine sensation has been active at both ends of the field as evident from his average of 2.9 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 2.4 clearances, 1.4 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League last season. Tagliafico also managed to distribute the ball neatly without giving away possession in the opposition half after completing 85.9% of his attempted passes in the Dutch top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The Ajax star is one of most well-respected full-backs in European football because of his excellent run of form for the club in recent seasons. He will be a significant coup for the Foxes if they can find a way to lure Tagliafico to the King Power Stadium in this off-season.
What Are The South American Defender’s Best Attributes?
Tagliafico can pick and choose his moments to join in on the attack and is quite clever in the way he makes his runs to get to the by-line. The 25-time Argentine international can deliver a few meaningful crosses into the opposition penalty box and boasts outstanding defensive awareness that allows him to earn possession back for his team. He is always willing to make himself big to pull off some crucial clearances at the back and hardly gets beaten in a 1v1 footrace out on the wide positions.
Is Tagliafico A Wise Choice For Brendan Rodgers’ Team This Summer?
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has got Ben Chilwell as his first-choice left-back, but the English full-back looks set to be announced as a Chelsea player within the next few days, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano. Therefore, Tagliafico will be more than a capable replacement for the departing Englishman as he has already established himself as a top performer at the highest level.
Even though the Foxes won’t have the lure of UEFA Champions League football next season, yet Rodgers should try everything he can to convince the Ajax full-back to seal a move to the East Midlands this summer. Tagliafico will bring a lot of creativity and defensive stability to the King Power Stadium and could potentially help Leicester challenge for some silverware in the coming seasons. Thus, the Argentine left-back will be a brilliant acquisition for the Midlands giants ahead of the new campaign.
