Chelsea fans will not be able to recall good experiences of watching Malang Sarr at Stamford Bridge, however will be surprised to learn he has become one of the top centre-backs in Europe.
Sarr would feature 21 times for the Blues, mostly during Thomas Tuchel’s time in charge of the club, only looking remotely comfortable when they played a back three.
Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival at Stamford Bridge closed the door on any more minutes for the defender in West London. Pochettino admitted he hadn’t heard of Sarr when asked in an early press conference.
CHELSEA PLAYER OF THE SEASON – FINAL!
Chelsea flop Malang Sarr has become one of the best centre-backs in Europe
The Frenchman would spend time on loan at Porto and Monaco before eventually moving permanently to Lens, where he has undergone a career revival of the highest order.
The Ligue 1 side put up the biggest challenge to PSG to win Ligue 1 this season, however have now been confirmed to fall short of the Champions League finalists after a 2-0 defeat to them on Wednesday night.
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Sarr played a crucial role in their title race, playing 90 minutes in 37 of their 38 games in all competitions this season.
In fact, Gradient Sports have ranked Sarr as the best performing centre-back in Europe’s top five leagues, according to their grading system.
None of the current Chelsea options feature in the top 10 of the list, although the Blues have been missing Levi Colwill for the entire campaign.
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Sarr’s fantastic campaign has not gone unnoticed
While a return to Chelsea is not on the cards, this has not stopped other sides sitting up and taking note of the defender’s performances.
Sarr has Premier League interest in him, and could be in line for a return to England where he would come up against the Blues.
The defender admitted Pochettino’s treatment of him left him furious, and revenge would surely be on his mind if he was to line up for the opposition at Stamford Bridge.
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