Chelsea could make a move for Crysencio Summerville this summer following West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship.
The Blues are in the market for a new attacker, and Summerville is one player who is thought to be on their shortlist.
After past interest, it is being reported that Chelsea are considering Summerville once again. However, you would have to question how much of an upgrade he would be on Chelsea’s current left-wing options or whether he would actually be one at all.
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Jamie Gittens is a better dribbler than Crysencio Summerville
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the Blues are gathering information on how much Summerville could cost this summer, so their interest sounds serious. But they spent so much money on Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho last season, with the former not getting too many opportunities because of injuries.
When Gittens did play, he did have some struggles. At the same time, though, the 21-year-old was usually brave and direct. Statistically, he is a superior dribbler to Summerville.
According to Scout Lab, Gittens was completing 2.39 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, which puts him in the 88th percentile. Summerville was only making 1.85, leaving him in the 73rd percentile.
Last season, one reason why Chelsea fans were so critical of Garnacho was because of how timid he looked at times in one-v-one situations.
The Argentina international would not take on his full-back and instead turn back before playing a simple pass.
Summerville’s dribbling numbers are not outstanding for a wide man. It is not impossible Summerville ends up doing the same thing, especially when going up against low blocks, which he rarely encountered last term.
Crysencio Summerville wouldn’t be a huge upgrade on what Chelsea already have
Ultimately, Summerville may not necessarily be an upgrade on Gittens. The jury is still out on the former Borussia Dortmund man, who needs a run of games at Stamford Bridge before being properly judged.
Garnacho obviously had quite a disappointing season, but he has delivered for Manchester United in the past and in big games.
That is not to say that Chelsea should not sign a new left winger, and everything suggests that Garnacho could leave west London.
But really, Xabi Alonso needs someone who is going to be significantly better than Garnacho and Gittens to take this team next to the next level. Is Summerville that? You cannot be too sure.
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