Despite leaving Chelsea on bad terms, Enzo Maresca is giving the Blues the perfect opportunity to sign a player who would be perfect for Xabi Alonso’s system.
Enzo Maresca‘s appointment at Manchester City has seen his plan work out perfectly, having waited since he left Chelsea at the beginning of January.
His exit opened the door for Xabi Alonso to take the reins at Stamford Bridge. And the Spanish manager is wasting no time planning a major structural shift, as Alonso intends to implemetn his trademark fluid back-five system, that brought him success at Bayer Leverkusen.
However, this isn’t possible without a specific profile of defender. Alonso desperately needs to recruit ball-playing central defenders who possess the recovery pace to handle a high defensive line.
What is Xabi Alonso’s number one priority as soon as he walks through those doors?🤔
Xabi Alonso's priority as Chelsea manager
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca makes Nathan Ake available at Man City
According to TeamTalk, Manchester City are prepared to let Nathan Ake leave the Etihad ahead of the new season.
It’s believed that Ake’s representatives are assessing options across the Premier League and Europe, with Bournemouth viewed as a club that could appeal strongly to the defender given his previous connection to the club and the guarantee of regular football.
There is no mention of Chelsea, but that’s not to say they’re not one of those Premier League clubs.
Mohamed Salah back at Chelsea, who says no?🤔
Nathan Ake is perfect for a Chelsea back-three
Nathan Ake would be the absolute perfect fit for the left-sided centre-back role in Xabi Alonso’s planned back-three system.
The Manchester City defender boasts the tactical versatility, comfortably transitioning between a central defender and a traditional full-back, while possessing the precise, press-resistant passing required to build play from deep.
A move would mark an emotional homecoming for the Dutchman, who originally joined Chelsea’s academy back in 2011.
Plus Nathan Ake even has a house already near Cobham.
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