Chelsea fans have not been given the chance to see much of Aaron Anselmino in action. Over at Borussia Dortmund, they love him, but in a Chelsea shirt, he is yet to prove why.
When Chelsea cancelled the former Boca Juniors star’s loan at Dortmund in January, the Bundesliga club were frustrated. Indeed, there were reports of a ‘beef’ between Chelsea and Jamie Gittens’ old side.
Anselmino would go to Strasbourg on loan to replace Mamadou Sarr, who had returned to Chelsea as per the request of Liam Rosenior. But hamstring injuries limited Anselmino to just three Strasbourg outings.
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It is two years since Chelsea spent around £15.6m to sign Anselmino from Boca. He returned to Boca on loan in his first year at Chelsea, played once at the Club World Cup, and is now back at Stamford Bridge.
Anselmino might suit Alonso’s style of play, but Chelsea need to make a decision on the Argentine. Given the competition at centre-back, another loan makes sense – but could he be used in a different position?
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Xabi Alonso drops Aaron Anselmino hint amid pre-season plan
Going into the pre-season campaign, reports said Chelsea were planning to take a look at Anselmino before making a decision on the right-footed centre-back. He came off the bench on Tuesday morning.
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Interestingly, he replaced Landon Emenalo at left-back. With Marc Cucurella gone and no replacement coming in as things stand, it could be that Alonso is looking to take advantage of his weak-foot ability.
Anselmino performed well, keeping possession well and getting forward without hesitation. He also showed his pace when denying a counter-attack, shoulder-barging an attacker over with absolute ease.
Bringing him on at left-back, when Alonso could have easily used Marco Palestra on the left instead of the right suggests Alonso has something up his sleeve. It may be a hint that Alonso is keeping Anselmino.
What should Chelsea do with Aaron Anselmino?
There is a serious player in Anselmino. Naturally a centre-back, Anselmino bags plenty of pace and the technical ability of a midfielder, as well as the defensive mindset of a centre-back. He is the full package.
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Injury-prone.
But injuries have curtailed his development, and Chelsea will feel he is not as far along the pathway as he should be at 21. If Chelsea sign a new left-back, the need for Anselmino reduces, and a loan is likely.
Having sent him back to Boca, to Dortmund and to Strasbourg, any loan should really be to an English club this summer. At his best, he suits Alonso and could be a key component in the coming years.
But for now, despite his impressive versatility out in Australia, Anselmino should be sent on loan to a lower Premier League side or a high-flying Championship team to help his development catch up.
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