Arsenal rout proves why Chelsea need Kounde more than Barcelona
Cameron Smith
- 24 Jul 2022 11:50 BST
- 4 min read
With the Premier League season fast approaching, Chelsea have serious work to do.
A 4-0 loss to Arsenal in Orlando was a reality check that things need to change if even Champions League status is to be kept for the 2023-24 season.
Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Albert Sambi Lokonga were all on the scoresheet as Chelsea were overran and outperformed by Mikel Arteta's team. The result also ensured back-to-back defeats for Chelsea after their penalty shootout loss to Charlotte FC.
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Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has openly asked for more summer signings, with Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly the only new arrivals this transfer window. That pair have effectively just replaced the outgoing Antonio Rudiger and Romelu Lukaku, so Chelsea's squad hasn't actually improved or become deeper.
In fact, Tuchel wasn't too surprised by the defeat to the Gunners, saying after the game: "We have the same issues because we have the same players."
While the lack of attacking quality has been heavily pointed out, despite Sterling's arrival, Chelsea's defence is still a huge concern.
The departures of the aforementioned Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have severely hampered a backline that had already declined last season.
With pursuits for both Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake ending in disappointment, acquiring Koulibaly was a coup for Tuchel, but the man in the Stamford Bridge dugout has publicly admitted he wants two or three new centre-backs to arrive this summer, which hasn't yet happened.
Sevilla's Jules Kounde is now the primary target, with Chelsea agreeing personal terms with the Frenchman and matching Sevilla's €65 million asking price.
However, interest from Barcelona has slowed down proceedings, with the Blaugrana urging Kounde to wait for them to the frustration of Chelsea. Back-and-forth negotiations have taken place, but both teams are confident of landing the France international.
While Xavi is attempting to rebuild the Barcelona squad, a mission that has started well this summer, Kounde is simply far more urgently needed at Chelsea.
Lack of defenders
While Barcelona have added Christensen to compliment the likes of Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia, Chelsea are lacking at the back.
The Danish international Christensen still needs to be replaced, and Kounde is the perfect man to fill his shoes. Furthermore, with Chelsea preferring a back three system, they simply need more centre-backs than Barcelona, who typically deploy a 4-3-3.
Back three system
As mentioned, Chelsea typically play a 3-4-3, with defensive solidity at the heart of Tuchel's system thanks to the presence of three central defenders and two number sixes.
In the first two games of pre-season, Chelsea lined-up in this system, but Tuchel opted to use a back four from the off against Arsenal, which backfired massively.
The Blues produced a woeful defensive display in this formation, and at half-time the change was made to revert back to a 3-4-3. While operating with four defenders could be successful for Tuchel’s side in the future, and has been spoken about in pre-season, a lot of work is needed for it to be feasible.
As a result, the best option remains the back three. Kounde is therefore needed to fill the right-centre-back role to help maintain Chelsea's defensive shape and ensure the back four, which doesn't seem polished, isn't needed at the start of the season.
Help in attack
While playing with three central defenders may seem defensive, by having Kounde on the right, Chelsea's attack would actually be aided.
The Frenchman has consistently shown his attacking endeavour for Sevilla, whether that be through driving runs forward or incisive progressive passes - Kounde is a fantastic link between defence and attack, which is something Chelsea struggle with.
Overall, Kounde is a brilliant defender and if Chelsea's pre-season showing against Arsenal is anything to go by, the Blues desperately need to sign him before the window shuts.
