In a recent report, Marca revealed that Chelsea have joined the race to recruit Atletico Madrid full-back Nahuel Molina. It has been claimed that the Blues could launch a move to sign the Argentina international.
Molina’s Impressive Form In Spanish Football This Season
Molina is having a solid campaign at the Wanda Metropolitano as he has put in some impressive displays on the right side of Atletico Madrid’s defence. The 24-year-old has been involved in 18 matches for the Madrid outfit this season, picking up two yellow cards across various competitions.
The Embalse-born talent has been consistent with his performances on the right flank based on his average of 1.8 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 0.5 shots, 0.9 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half after completing 78.3% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Spanish football (stats via whoscored).
Molina’s current contract with Diego Simeone’s side is set to run out in the summer of 2027. Thus, it won’t be easy for the Blues to get him on board next year.
Is Molina A Good Choice For Chelsea?
Molina is a good tackler of the ball and can make some important interceptions when defending inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when the opposition are on the front foot and can create some promising chances for others around him in the final third. The Argentine sensation can make some driving runs with the ball down the right flank and retain possession with conviction in the opponent’s half.
We can expect Molina to add more quality to Chelsea‘s backline if Graham Potter can find a way to bring him to the English capital next year. The experienced Argentine full-back is good enough to earn a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge and could serve as a perfect replacement for Cesar Azpilicueta who has entered the final stage of his playing career at the West London club.
Thus, Molina would be a decent choice for the Blues to pursue next year as he could help them challenge for some top honours in the coming seasons. He is primarily a right-back but can also fill in as a right-sided wide player if his manager asks him to do so. Someone of Molina’s skillset and versatility makes him a good option for Potter to rely on over the next few years.
