Chelsea bid for Real Madrid star in the summer, but failed Alonso reunion is a blessing in disguise
It has emerged that Chelsea made a surprise bid for a Real Madrid defender, a move that would have seen him reunite with Xabi Alonso. But the stats suggest it would have been a mistake.
Chelsea made three defensive signings in the summer, aside from Emi Martinez. Marco Palestra, Pep Chavarria and Maxence Lacroix arrived for the best part of a combined £120m. But it hasn’t worked.
The constant flow of goals has scuppered Chelsea’s chances of a successful start to the season. Others were targeted, but according to the stats, things would have been worse if they had signed Raul Asencio.
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Asencio, 23, has now clocked up 80 appearances for Madrid at senior level. A lot of those came under the guidance of the current Chelsea boss. Ekrem Konur claims Chelsea made a bid for him in the summer.
“Real Madrid’s Asencio received three major offers last summer, including from Liverpool, Chelsea and a financially strong Turkish club. The presence of Huijsen and Konaté increases exit chances,” he said.
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But according to the stats, Asencio would have been a poor signing. Aside from a plethora of defensive options, the Spaniard would have been a waste of time. His lack of duels won is a particular concern.
The defender is no better than what Chelsea currently have, and failing that, his discipline issues on and off the pitch are a problem. He has 15 yellows, two reds, and a drink-driving charge on his record.
Premier League centre-backs need to win 60% of aerial duels
Despite Asencio’s physical presence, Asencio has managed to average just 56% of aerial duels won, a major red flag for Premier League teams who require at least 60%. Lacroix averages around 62% of wins.
This is a player who has made four major errors leading to goals in his 80 Madrid outings. While that does not sound like much, Madrid are not a side that concedes regularly, and the errors occur in big games.
Asencio would have cost a lot of money – he is a Real Madrid academy player now in the first team and playing regularly, even if he’s yet to play a single minute under Jose Mourinho due to an injury.
Alonso might know him well, but the defender is not cut out for Premier League football, and he makes far too many defensive errors. Lacroix might have struggled initially, but Asencio would have been worse.
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