Why Atletico’s Yannick Carrasco Would Be A Super Signing For Chelsea
Reports suggest that Yannick Carrasco could be out on his way to Chelsea in January. Having been involved in bust-ups recently with experienced teammates Koke and Gabi, Simeone has hinted that they are ready to sell him in the upcoming transfer window. Apparently, he has fallen out with team fitness coach Oscar Ortega too. Recent failures in the league could also be the reason for the Belgian’s move as the Spanish giants are looking for a squad revamp.
Chelsea tried to land him last summer but weren’t able to convince Atletico to sell the £36m-rated attacker. This time around though, knowing the fact that Carrasco hasn’t started a league game since the 15th October, Conte can fancy his chances to add more depth to a ‘thin’ Chelsea line up. However, Chelsea are facing competition from Bayern Munich and Arsenal, who are interested in his signature.
More On The Player
Carrasco started at Stade Everois at the age of 6. He then shuffled between home clubs before settling at Genk, where he played for the youth team. Truly realising his potential, he set out to France to play for Monaco B, for whom he won the Coupe Gambardella. The winger scored 10 goals in 30 league appearances for the B team, which saw him get promoted to the senior squad.
In the 2012-13 season, with the help of 6 goals in 27 league appearances, he helped Monaco rise back up to Ligue 1. He outshined everyone else in the 2014-15 season, where he netted 8 times in 52 appearances. This saw a big move to Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid. Last season, he finished with 14 goals and 4 assists. For the Belgium national team, he has 22 caps since his debut in 2015.
What Will He Offer Chelsea
The Atletico Madrid No.10 uses pace and his tall build to get past defenders. His main attribute is his change of pace, that often ends up beating the fullbacks. The biggest plus point about him is how incisive he is. Be it with taking a long-range shot, setting it up for a teammate or completing a dribble, Carrasco puts all the heart and effort into it.
This makes him look well constructed as he always seems to be a man with a plan when on the pitch. The 24-year-old wisely draws fullbacks out of position and runs into empty channels. The tall lad is a real set-piece threat too. He offers pace, cleverness and goal creating ability as well.
Worth The Buy?
Totally. At just 24, his peak years lie way ahead of him. Already, the stylish winger has 219 senior appearances for Monaco and Atletico, which indicates his experience. With Eden Hazard being utilised behind the striker, he doesn’t really run at players from the flanks or get into wider positions and cut inside. Rather, the little Belgian drops deep, orchestrates the play, brings his midfielders into action and gets his shots away occasionally. Hence, to back Pedro and Willian up on a long-term basis, a player who can inject more pace and instantly deliver into the box would be a super signing.