According to a recent report by the Telegraph, Premier League high-flyers Chelsea are said to have scouted Atletico Madrid’s Uruguayan international defender Jose Gimenez over a potential summer move for the La Liga star. Although the fact that Chelsea are interested in Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez has now been clarified, it doesn’t mean that the South American is the only name being targeted. The Blues’ desire to acquire a new centre-half has been no secret, and Lampard does view the Uruguayan as one of the options for the role.
What Is Chelsea’s Current Defensive Situation?
The Blues started the season with four recognised centre-halves to choose from, but over the course of the entire campaign, a majority of their weaknesses were found out. Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma are the four names currently available to Lampard, and none of them has filled even the most optimistic of fans with too much hope for next campaign. Replacing one, or even two of their current centre-half options would probably be in the club’s best interest as well.
Christensen tends to maintain his composure well in possession, but often displays lapses in concentration when in vital areas of the pitch. Tomori is still far too young to be depended on regularly and will need a few years as the understudy before he can really start to make waves.
Antonio Rudiger’s inconsistency is undoubtedly an issue, but at his best, the German is the Blues’ best defender. Zouma has arguably been the go-to defender at Chelsea this season, but his erratic nature and occasional loss of composure can prove to be costly.
What Makes Jose Gimenez A Good Option For Chelsea?
The 25-year-old has been gradually developing into one of the most promising defenders in the world over the last few years, and Lampard has clearly identified that as well. Standing at 1.85m tall, the former Danubio FC man has been positioned at the heart of Diego Simeone’s defence for a while now as well. The fact that Gimenez is a regular in the Spanish tactician’s setup should alone be enough to prove his defensive credentials, but his numbers for the La Liga club back up that claim too.
Physically strong and dominant in the air, the centre-half’s physique and general playing style are well-suited to the fast-paced and aggressive nature of the Premier League. Despite being a solid presence at the back, the defender also offers good ball-carrying skills, and he’s more than capable of producing the odd cross-field pass. Another highly impressive aspect about the Uruguayan’s play is his penchant for being extremely disciplined while out on the pitch, and this is highlighted by the fact that he picked up just two yellow cards throughout his 21 La Liga outings this season.
Chelsea Are Interested In Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez: Smart Move For Lampard?
By completing the signings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, the Blues have effectively fired a warning shot to the rest of the Premier League about their ambitions. Lampard’s rebuild at the club is now well underway, and the addition of a solid centre-half will surely be on the gaffer’s mind as well. Considering the way that the football market currently is, there aren’t too many dependable names that Chelsea can go out and look to sign. Gimenez provides the Blues with a good option tactically, and if they’re able to come to an agreement with Atletico Madrid about a fee, then Lampard needn’t even think twice about making this deal happen.
