Frank Lampard appears to see Cesar Azpilicueta as his current choice in the left-back spot. However, it seems as though those at Chelsea are looking for a new addition in that position. The Daily Mail reports that Leicester’s Ben Chilwell will be the number one transfer target. But who is the better left-back?
Chilwell has started the season incredibly with a Leicester side who currently sit 2nd in the Premier League. He has been a key part of getting his side six points clear of 3rd place Manchester City, and nine clear of Chelsea in 4th.
Azpilicueta, on the other hand, has endured an interesting season so far. After starting the season at right-back, the Chelsea captain seemed to have lost his place in the side to 19-year-old Reece James. However, in the two most recent fixtures, Azpilicueta has been starting at left-back over Alonso and Emerson.
The Leicester man has six more clean sheets than the Spaniard (8). The Foxes defense has been far more resolute than Chelsea’s this season. Chilwell has conceded just eight goals, whilst Azpilicueta has conceded 23 whilst on the pitch for the Blues.
The English full-back also boasts a greater number of recoveries and has created five big chances compared to Azpilicueta’s two.
On the other hand, the Chelsea man does have several statistics in his favor. He has completed more tackles, more interceptions and more clearances than the 22-year-old. He has also won six more duels.
These statistics suggest that Azpilicueta may be more reliable in the defensive phase than Chilwell, with the Foxes player posing a greater threat going forward.
The main reason behind signing Chilwell would be his age. He is just 22-years-old and could fill the left-back spot at the Bridge for a decade. Azpilicueta is now 30-years-old and heading towards the twilight of his career. It would no doubt be a huge coup for the Blues, but will Chilwell want to leave high flying Leicester?
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
