In a recent report, The Kicker has claimed that Chelsea remain ‘busy in the market’ for Red Bull Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano. However, the Blues could face competition from Bayern Munich in pursuit of the French centre-back (translated by Sport Witness).
Upamecano’s Excellent Form In Germany This Season
Upamecano has enjoyed a rich vein of form in the Bundesliga this season as he has helped Leipzig maintain the best defensive record in the division after they shipped in just 17 goals in 19 league matches so far. The Frenchman has participated in 25 matches for the German outfit this term, scoring one goal and grabbing one assist in multiple competitions.
The 22-year-old has given a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field because he is averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.8 clearances per game in the German top-flight. He has also distributed the ball exceptionally well after making 88.7% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Upamecano ticks all the right boxes in terms of what is required to become a success story in Premier League football. The three-time France international is currently playing some of the best football of his young career, so Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will do well to lure him away from the Red Bull Arena in the summer.
What Will The French Sensation Add To Thomas Tuchel’s Team?
Upamecano has got the pace to get back and defend when the opposition are looking to threaten on the counter. He is often quick to react to the danger and can make some important clearances for his team. The Frenchman can also time his tackles well to earn possession back inside his half and is usually quite tidy when passing the ball out from the back. Standing at 1.86m, the Evreux-born talent can use his incredible upper-body strength to bully the opposition attackers in the air.
Upamecano is the complete package in terms of what he offers on the defensive third of the pitch. Therefore, Tuchel would be wise to try everything in his power to convince the Bundesliga star to join his revolution at Stamford Bridge next season. The Leipzig defensive ace will be an upgrade over most of Tuchel’s current defensive options due to his consistency of putting in big performances every week.
All in all, Upamecano will be a brilliant signing for the Blues if they can win the race to acquire his services. He will significantly enhance the quality of Chelsea’s first-team and could potentially help them challenge for major trophies in the years to come.
