Midfield could be an area where Chelsea look to strengthen this summer. It will depend on potential exits. But as things stand, they are starting to feel very likely. It is no secret that Enzo Fernandez will consider his options this summer. He has never ruled out the possibility, even when asked directly in the media. On the other hand, clubs like Real Madrid, PSG and Man City are being linked with him.
If Fernandez does end up leaving Chelsea, it would weaken them significantly. He might very well have been the club’s best player this season, even though it was a campaign to forget.
Chelsea have been linked with quite a few midfielders as a result of this. And one of them is a full German international, although, there are question marks over the club will make a move or not.
According to Simon Phillips (via Chelsea.news), Chelsea have had scouts at a “number” of Angelo Stiller’s live games for VfB Stuttgart. But they do have a concern when it comes to his lack of pace.
Chelsea eyeing German international but have concerns about his lack of pace
Stiller has been compared to Toni Kroos. And that is the role in which he signs. Just look at the numbers and it is easy to see why.
He is in the 90th percentile or higher in the Bundesliga in pretty much every meaningful passing metric. And he can also hold his own in the defensive phase of the game, without being anything special.
Also, Stiller has a decent bit of experience under his belt. He is not far away from completing 150 appearances for VfB Stuttgart. He has also turned out for Hoffenheim in the past and came through the youth ranks at Bayern Munich, although he only played a few times for the Bavarian club at the senior level.
Would Stiller fit in at Chelsea?
A lot will depend on the style of football which Xabi Alonso wants to play from next season. If he wants someone to stay in midfield and dictate the game with his passing range, then Stiller would be perfect.
That being said, Fernandez did end up developing into a goalscorer. Was that because of a lack of role at Chelsea? Or is it a wider issue where such midfielders do not work anymore in top-level leagues?
Stiller is not the type of midfielder who will score a ton of goals though. He is more comfortable controlling the game from the middle of the park. So, Chelsea need to decide what kind of player they want, if they are indeed focusing on their midfield.
Sourav Mahanty
Sourav Mahanty has covered teams like Chelsea, Celtic, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG and more over a career that has now lasted a decade. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports, SB Nation, FanSided, The Sportster and aggregated through Bleacher Report and NewsNow. Outside of football, he is also interested in basketball, cricket and professional wrestling.
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