There is no doubting that Chelsea’s weakness at the moment is in defence. The inconsistency of Robert Sanchez, the inability to keep clean sheets, the quality of the defenders themselves.
Saturday’s clean sheet against Brentford saw Chelsea prevent their opposition from scoring for the first time in eight games, in all competitions. The last time they managed it was against Everton, in December.
Such is the concern with Chelsea’s options at centre-back, that the club has accelerated summer plans in buying a defender. Rennes wonderkid Jeremy Jacquet is the priority, but Marcos Senesi is also a target.
Tosin Adarabioyo cleared his lines against Brentford 👏
What should Chelsea do with him if he continues to improve?
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo made 13 clearances against Brentford
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
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There is also a need for a goalkeeper, with Troy Deeney’s comments on Robert Sanchez proof that the Blues need more reliability between the sticks. Phil Jones has compounded Chelsea’s defensive issues.
Phil Jones says he’d start for Chelsea under Liam Rosenior
In his prime, Jones was a marauding centre-back, a powerhouse that could play in midfield. Technically gifted, but certainly at the top due to his physical attributes and willingness to put his body on the line.
Phil Jones tackles Eden Hazard
Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images
Of course, Jones’ time at Man United tailed off and eventually, he retired in 2024. He has now embarked on a career in coaching and in the media, but at his prime, Jones was right at the top of English football.
So much so, that when asked if he would start for Chelsea at this current moment in time, Jones said he would in a clip published by ESPN. He says he wouldn’t for Man United, City, Liverpool or Arsenal, though.
What is Chelsea’s best centre-back partnership right now?
Currently, there are five centre-backs at Chelsea, and another out on loan at Borussia Dortmund in the form of Aaron Anselmino. That is before the Blues splash a massive £60m on 20-year-old Jacquet.
But Anselmino and Jacquet are not currently at Chelsea, while Axel Disasi is one part of a two-man bomb squad at Stamford Bridge. That leaves Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Tosin and Benoit Badiashile.
Chelsea’s best centre-back duo currently is Tosin and Fofana… 🧱
Who would you start at CB?
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea - Premier League
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Badiashile is easily the fourth choice of the current quartet, while Fofana is probably best on paper but is still getting back to his best after so many injuries. Chalobah has struggled with his positioning of late.
Chelsea’s best partnership is a mix of Chalobah, Tosin and Fofana. Rosenior has started Chalobah and Fofana in Chelsea’s last two games, but perhaps Tosin should get a go above Chalobah under Rosenior.
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