Ally McCoist has claimed while commentating on Senegal vs Netherlands at the World Cup that he was shocked Matthijs de Ligt wasn’t replaced at half-time.
The defender was reportedly one of Thomas Tuchel’s key targets for a defender to bring in following Chelsea’s own exodus at the back.
He ended up signing for Bayern Munich for £68m, although some Blues fans may have come away from today’s game thinking they’ve dodged a bullet.
The centre-back, operated on the right of a three, had a torrid time particularly in the first half against former Premier League winner Ismaila Sarr.
This opening 45 minutes left McCoist stunned that Louis van Gaal had chosen not to substitute him at half-time, with an obvious option waiting in the wings.
McCoist not impressed by De Ligt
He said: “I was a little bit surprised. I thought they might have made a substitution there for a couple of reasons. One he has looked very uncomfortable, particularly against Ismaila Sarr. He’s forced him into areas he doesn’t like being alone in a 1v1 situation.
“Plus, the fact I’m not sure he’s giving the quality going forward as Timber would, so I am a little bit surprised.”
While the Blues didn’t bring in De Ligt, they were able to bolster their defence with the addition of a number of top defenders from across Europe.
They signed Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana this summer.
It doesn’t appear like they are done in the defensive market either. Reports have claimed that the Blues are looking to return soon with an attempt to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.
After a late attempt last summer, there have been rumours that the Blues are contemplating returning for the Croatian after the World Cup, with him potentially available for a far lower fee.
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