Chelsea have been linked with several left-backs. It is currently a position of uncertainty for Frank Lampard this season. Marcus Alonso, Emerson, and Cesar Azpilicueta have all made appearances in the position this season without holding down a regular spot.
Chelsea now need to have a consistent left-back. Here is why that man has to be Porto left-back Alex Telles.
The 26-year-old has made over 100 appearances for current club Porto, and his recent form is deserving of a move to one of Europe’s bigger clubs. Telles has an abundance of pace and power whilst also being excellent defensively. He is a well-rounded modern-day full-back and would significantly improve Chelsea’s options on the left side of the defense.
This season, Telles has helped his Porto side gain eight clean sheets from 12 league games. That is a clean sheet rate of 66%. Chelsea, on the other hand, has achieved just three clean sheets in 16, a rate of just 18%.
The Brazilian is currently in his prime years and possesses a real threat in the attacking phase. In nine league starts, Telles has scored four goals and provided four assists. That is almost a goal or assist in each game and is an impressive rate for a full-back.
This is partly down to his set-piece prowess. He takes free-kicks, penalties, and corners for the Portuguese side, posing a real threat from each dead ball type.
His skillset is perfectly suited to the Premier League, and Spanish publication Marca revealed in March that Telles has a release clause in his contract of just 40m Euros. Chelsea could save money by targeting Telles over Ben Chilwell and would be securing an experienced left-back who can make an impact at the back and going forward.
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