What a manager Chelsea have got in Antonio Conte! Chelsea last season were a big, big letdown in the Premier League and looked like a side who had no confidence in them. They look like a completely changed setup this campaign and the credit goes to none other than Conte. The Blues showed great tactical know how to bounce back from their two successive losses earlier this campaign against Liverpool and Arsenal and now look like a strong title contender.
In the early days of this season, we had seen the Blues struggling defensively but Conte switching to three at the back managed to cure their defensive wounds. However, it is quite clear that the Blues are in dire need of defensive reinforcements if they want to restore their pride and become a reckoned force in Europe once again. Therefore, we are seeing them getting linked with a host of defenders.
The Daily Star claims that Chelsea are interested in signing Schalke left-back Sead Kolasinac but they are not the only Premier League club who are in for him. Liverpool and West Ham are also in the picture making it hard for Chelsea.
Kolasinac is in the final year of his contract with Schalke and is reportedly unwilling to extend his stay at Veltins Arena unless he is assured regular playing time.
With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2017, Kolasinac would be one hell of a coup for any club who manages to get the hold of him next summer. Getting a player like the 23-year-old Bosnian international for free would be a daylight robbery from Chelsea. Kolasinac seems like a tailor-made player for Conte’s system.
Conte is a manager who likes to tweak his tactics according to the demand of each game and Kolasinac is someone who can be his trump card in doing so. You will rarely get to see a full-back who is physically so well built.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international boasts a frame of 6′ and gets hardly overpowered by wingers. The 23-year-old is also a quick player and marked one of the fastest players in Bundesliga, Christian Pulisic with perfection in the Revierderby lately.
Often termed as the ‘Bosnian tank’ for his excellent strength, stamina and work rate, Kolasinac is also a versatile player which will make him even more wanted by any manager.
Even though his best position is left-back, he is comfortable plying his trade as a left winger, centre-back and even as a defensive midfielder. Kolasinac has a much better defensive discipline when compared to Marcos Alonso who is playing as a left wing-back now. On a free transfer, Kolasinac will be one hell of a signing by Conte.
