West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has offered a telling insight into Axel Disasi’s immediate impact at the London Stadium, which will make for uncomfortable reading for Chelsea fans.
Axel Disasi spent five months in Chelsea‘s bomb squad this season, as well as playing some games for the Under-21 side to maintain his fitness.
Liam Rosenior then decided to give Disasi a chance in first-team training, but it was never about keeping him at Chelsea.
Now, Disasi finds himself playing football at West Ham United after sealing a loan until the end of the season. However, there is no option or obligation to buy the Frenchman, so he will return.
And to be fair to the defender, he’s been superb at the London Stadium.
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Jarrod Bowen says Axel Disasi has been a big presence for West Ham
Jarrod Bowen told Sky Sports after West Ham’s draw with Bournemouth, “You can’t expect to score two or three goals every week and pick up results. We knew we needed to improve and change. And I think Axel has come in and been a really big presence.”
This comes after Nuno Espirito Santo praised Disasi on his debut, and the Hammers have kept three clean sheets in four games since he signed.
Disasi is also far superior to Chelsea’s centre-backs when it comes to accurate long balls, which isn’t necessarily a trait you need under Liam Rosenior.
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Disasi doesn’t really suit Chelsea’s new style
Based on his recent form at West Ham, Axel Disasi has shown a level of physical dominance that suggests he could certainly compete for a spot in Chelsea’s rotation.
Disasi’s greatest advantage over Benoit Badiashile is his front-footed defending. While Badiashile has struggled for consistency and is often criticised for a perceived lack of aggression in key moments, Disasi has immediately brought stability and power to the Hammers’ backline.
However, Rosenior’s tactical shift requires line-breaking centre-backs who are good in possession. While Disasi is a reliable defender, he doesn’t quite match the criteria compared to others.
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