Chelsea They have been in poor form in recent weeks, securing just six points from a possible 21 points in their last seven games. This run included losses to the likes of Ipswich Town, Fulham and Manchester City, as well as draws against Everton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
This poor run of results coincided with the loss of two key centre-backs in December, with Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile both injured.
Levi Colwill has partnered Fofan for much of the season leading into the festive break, which saw the Blues sit second in the Premier League.
But Enzo Maresca Side struggled after losing Fofan and Badiashile, who appeared to be next in line to partner Colwill.
That could have the Blues’ directors on Red Alert, as this major drop in form has brought their season crashing down, and a defensive solution will be high on their list, whether it comes this month or in the summer.
Chelsea are eyeing a defender in the Premier League
According to Reports from Fabrizio RomanoBournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has a release clause in his contract, which will become valid from the summer of 2025.
It was further revealed that Chelsea are said to “really value” Huijsen, with him high on their list of potential targets at the back.
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Bayern Munich have also asked to be kept informed of the 19-year-old, who could face plenty of competition for the Spanish centre-back come the summer after an excellent start to life in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
Huijsen has He has made 19 appearances since joining the Cherries this summerscoring two goals, contributing five clean sheets and a total of 1,330 minutes played.
How Huijsen compares to Fofan
There is Fofana He has left 12 appearances so far this season for the Bluesbefore going down with the latest calf injury, contributing three clean sheets and a total of 1,017 minutes played.
The Frenchman was often tasked with being aggressive on the opposition team’s best player, looking to win duels and make things uncomfortable for them, knowing if he was beaten he had the pace to recover to still catch his man.
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Dean Huijsen vs Wesley Fofana comparison |
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|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90 min) |
Huijsen |
Fofana |
|
It passes to try |
54.7 |
60.8 |
|
Passes completed |
46.5 |
54.9 |
|
Passing accuracy % |
85.1% |
90.25% |
|
Passes forward |
22.4 |
18.5 |
|
Accessories |
1.7 |
1.2 |
|
Interceptions |
2.2 |
1.1 |
|
Blocks |
1.5 |
0.8 |
|
Aerial duels won |
2.7 |
2.1 |
|
The terrible duels won |
4.7 |
5.2 |
|
Statistics taken from Squale |
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When you compare the two defenders’ metrics from this season, you can see that Huijsen is already surpassing Fofan from a defensive action standpoint, which is a huge positive when you consider the Frenchman’s role in marking the opposition’s best forward.
The passing metrics favor Fofano, but you can assume a lot of that is down to style of play, as Huijsen is often tasked with going more direct, as evidenced by his passing numbers going forward.
Huijsen is tagged As “one of the most talented teenagers in Europe” Scout Jacek Kulig is still described as a “Monster In the Air” by Sky Sports “Joe Tomlinsonshowing a maturity far beyond his years this season for Bournemouth.
Furthermore, the 6-foot-5 center back has the frame to compete in a variety of matchups while also having the composure and football IQ beyond his years to read the game and get to the right place at the right time.
The 19-year-old already has all the makings of a great center and given time to develop, with his upper body tucked in slightly to help him in 1v1s against physical attackers, he is sure to improve, which could make him the perfect partner for Colwill going forward , a partnership that could grow together and complement each other in a tenure-based system.
