The Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win against Ecuador was a game that Chelsea would have been keeping a close eye on.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo started the match, while Kendry Paez was named on the bench.
The Blues did not have any players representing the Ivory Coast. However, there was one footballer in orange who they have been linked with.
And if any Chelsea scouts were there in person, they would have been impressed with his display.
Anthony Gordon starred for England against Costa Rica but is no longer an option for Chelsea. Which left winger should we now sign? 🤔
Yan Diomande shone in Ivory Coast’s win against Ecuador
Chelsea could purchase a versatile attacker this summer, and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande fits the bill.
Diomande can play on both wings, starting on the right in his nation’s first World Cup game. In the second half, he was moved to the left, but it did not make a difference. The RB Leipzig star was still a threat there.
According to Sofascore, Diomande made an astonishing five key passes in total. He also created one big chance.
Dribbling is one of his biggest strengths, and those who stayed up until the early hours of the morning to watch the Group E match would have quickly realised that.
Diomande completed four of the six dribbles he attempted and looked menacing every time he picked up the ball and started running with it.
There are some huge price tags floating about, but it is thought that Chelsea are still interested in signing Diomande this summer.
One good performance in a World Cup group stage game does not make the Ivory Coast international worth £90m. But watching that display, it is clear that he has talent and does what managers want to see wide men do: attack their full-back and cross the ball. You can understand why there is so much noise around him.
Leipzig do not want to sell Diomande this transfer window, while some of Europe’s other top clubs are also keen on him.
It means a deal will be difficult for Chelsea, especially without Champions League football to offer.
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