Chelsea have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the English Premier League this season. Mauricio Pochettino is building a young team and these players are settling into the English top-flight. The Blues are also dealing with a lot of injury issues and that has forced the Argentine manager to make regular changes in the starting 11.
Despite all these struggles, a few players have impressed the manager and cemented a place in the team. French defender Axel Disasi is one such player who is making a name for himself at the Bridge. He joined the club on a six-year contract from Monaco. The 25-year-old defender faced a lot of competition in the team but injuries to some players offered Disasi some regular opportunities in a Chelsea shirt. As we head into the final phase of the season, here is a look at why Disasi will be the first-choice centre-back for the Blues next season.
Guarding the right side
Axel Disasi plays as a right centre-back in the squad. He has a strong presence in the defence and is a strong figure in the air. In Chelsea’s recent game against Manchester City, Disasi played a big role in securing a point for his team.
In the current campaign, Disasi has won 52% of his defensive duels, 62% of his aerial duels and 70% of his loose ball duels. This is a huge success rate while playing for a team struggling in the league. Other than this, Disasi intercepts the ball 3.7 times per 90 minutes. The Frenchman has shown discipline and only gives away 0.5 fouls per 90 minutes. Overall, Disasi has been a key figure in the defence.
Blocking shots is a strong aspect of any defender’s game. Axel Disasi is not afraid to put his body on the line and managed to make 13 blocks in the Premier League. Some of these blocks came in the centre of the penalty box and have proven to be crucial in saving a goal or two for Chelsea.
Another strong area in Disasi’s game is his ability to make recoveries high up on the field. Disasi puts pressure on the opposition players and makes counter-pressing recoveries in the attacking half.
This plot measures the quality and quantity of a defender’s defensive actions. A player in the top right quadrant consistently engages in many defensive actions and performs them effectively. Disasi is not involved in a lot of defensive actions. However, he can win duels and that is why he is in the bottom right quadrant.
This visual evaluates the balance between retaining the ball under pressure and the ability to play forward passes. Those excelling in both aspects control the game’s tempo and direction. Disasi recovers the ball well in tight situations but has struggled a bit to move the ball forward.
In addition to his defensive skills, Disasi possesses the ability to move the ball forward. He attempts 63.5 passes per 90 minutes and most of these passes are made to find a runner down the flank.
Axel Disasi is a key figure in Chelsea’s defence. He is winning challenges for his team and the Blues will be happy to see his progress.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine