According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have prioritized signing a No.6 in the summer transfer window. And there are reasons why they should sign Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina.
Enzo Fernández isn’t a defensive midfielder, he’s more like an all-around one. So, he needs a sitter to command the midfield.
His combination with N’Golo Kante may not really take the Blues far next campaign. Because they both like to move the ball forward.
At the moment, Fernández is playing as a No.6 because nobody else can play the position this campaign.
That’s why Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali prioritize getting a complete defensive midfielder in 2023-2024.
Reportedly, Denis Zakaria is most likely to leave Chelsea at the end of the season. Because the Blues aren’t planning to sign him permanently.
As a result, the West London club needs a new defensive midfielder to go far in all competitions next season.
The likes of Conor Gallagher, Carney Chukwuemeka, Mateo Kovacic, and others aren’t No.6. They are box-to-box midfielders.
Chelsea’s No.6 targets for the summer’s transfer window:
- Declan Rice
- Sofyan Amrabat
- Roméo Lavia
- Manuel Ugarte
Apparently, the West London club are hell-bent on bringing a new defensive midfielder to Stamford Bridge.
There are reasons why Chelsea should sign Amrabat in the summer. Because he fits their style of play, particularly under Graham Potter.
Barcelona were heavily linked with the Moroccan midfielder. They almost signed him during the January transfer window.
That shows his level of defensive contribution in the squad, the Culers want him as Sergio Busquets’ replacement.
Amrabat is just 26-year-old, which is literally a good age for a defensive midfielder. Because the position requires a lot of experience.
If Chelsea wants to build their midfield around Enzo Fernández and Andrey Santos. They need an experienced DM like Sofyan.
The Moroccan has been playing at Fiorentina for some seasons, being one of the defensive midfielders in Serie A.
Sofyan Amrabat stats in 2022-2023
Serie A
23 appearances
0.4 shots per game
0.1 shots on target
0.4 key passes
57.6 touches
89% (42.7) pass accuracy
0.8 interceptions
1.2 tackles
0.6 clearances
69% (0.4) successful dribbles
50% (2.7) ground duels won
56% (0.4) aerial duels won
51% (3.2) total duels won
2022 FIFA World Cup
7 games
0.1 shots per game
0.3 key passes
56.6 touches
85% (38.3) pass accuracy
0.9 interceptions
2.3 tackles
1.4 clearances
49% (3.1) ground duels won
40% (0.3) aerial duels won
48% (3.4) total duels won
Obviously, the 26-year-old Moroccan’s defensive statistics are very impressive. He will do well beside Enzo Fernández.
Why should Chelsea sign Sofyan Amrabat in 2023-2024?Â
Profile-wise, age is one of the most important keys that makes Amrabat a perfect fit for Chelsea.
A defensive midfielder is expected to be experienced, particularly when playing in European competitions.
His flaws may cost the entire team a massive defeat. The midfield is the heart of any football team.
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Break-up Play:
Since Jorginho has already left for Arsenal, the Moroccan possesses the ability to improve the Blues’ midfield.
Sofyan is very good at breaking-up play, applying pressure whenever the team loses the ball around him.
That was obvious throughout his games in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He recovers the ball for fun, controlling the midfield.
His ball recovery ability is second to none. He was literally the best defensive midfielder in Qatar 2022.
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Ball Carrying:
As a standard No.6, he does try to progress the ball forward sometimes. However, it doesn’t happen often, but he usually makes it happen.
Of course, Sofyan is an excellent dribbler, having 69% successful dribbles in the league this season, according to Sofascore.
The player does put his dribbling prowess into action, moving like Mateo Kovacic in the midfield, even though he’s a DM.
Being a sitter, he makes everything easier for his teammates, because he’s always everywhere on the pitch, averaging 57.6 touches per game.
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Positioning:
Amrabat literally scans the midfield every second on the pitch. His positioning is on a different level, standing firm in the midfield.
The Moroccan midfielder prioritizes his zone as a No.6 without flinching. He stays close to the centre-backs, scanning the opponent’s movement.
Sofyan gets dribbled past just 0.5 times per 90 minutes in Serie A this campaign. He always holds his position in the middle.
Potential-wise, he can build something amazing with Enzo Fernández and Thiago Silva next campaign.
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Defensive Contributions:Â
Statistically, the 26-year-old midfielder is winning 51% of his total duels in Serie A. That’s enough to define his defensive prowess.
The Fiorentina baller defends comfortably, without shaking or fidgeting under pressure. That’s why he’s literally perfect for the West London club.
Amrabat reads the game, positions himself very well in the midfield, and puts his tackling prowess into action.
Obviously, he averages 2.3 tackles per 90 minutes in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Even though he faced the likes of Spain and Croatia.
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Passing:
His combination with Enzo Fernández will technically make Chelsea unstoppable next season. Because he’s a good passer.
Despite being a defensive midfielder, Amrabat is an excellent passer and pass collector, either short or long.
Sofyan completes 4 long balls (76%) per 90 minutes with 89% pass accuracy. Frankly, that’s impressive for a defensive midfielder.
He can comfortably handle both defensive and offensive roles in the midfield. He’s a fantastic baller.