An analysis of Crystal Palace full back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and whether or not he could be Chelsea bound this January.
Chelsea has reportedly joined the race to sign highly coveted defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and if you have been following Palace’s progression this season then it is crystal clear why.
Wan-Bissaka is brimming with all the virtues needed to make it at an elite level – none more so than a rock solid mentality. This was evident to Palace coaches when a 19-year-old Wan-Bissaka, then a winger, was summoned to make up the numbers in a senior training session and deployed out of position at right back.
A daunting proposition for any young player – especially when lined up against the might of Wilfried Zaha. But the stand-in stunned first teamers as he didn’t give the established winger an inch all evening.
The youngster was again thrown in the deep end when an injury crisis forced Hodgson to hand him a Premier League debut versus Tottenham last February. Not only did he retain his place for the subsequent Manchester United and Chelsea fixtures, but shone against some of the world’s best players and earned the club’s Player of the Month award.
Of course, his confidence and self-belief stem from the blatant, natural athleticism he was blessed with. A voracious tackler, the young lion can stand up in one-on-one situations against any of the world’s trickiest wingers; and usually falls back on brute strength and pace to get him out of any unforeseen predicaments.
With 3.6 tackles, 2.5 interceptions, and an average rating of 7.25 this campaign (according to whoscored), he boasts highly impressive stats for his first full season in senior football.
But in a vogue of cavalier full backs, its his attacking zeal that really has suitors salivating over his signature. After spending his formative years as a striker and winger, the 21-year-old has a natural penchant to maraud forward.
He possesses footwork akin to that of Mohammad Ali, and can genuinely be mistaken for Wilfred Zaha – an astonishing compliment for any defender – as he bombs down the right flank.
Will Chelsea sign him?
Chelsea’s interest is undoubtedly warranted as current right back Cesar Azpilicueta has never seemed totally comfortable under Maurizio Sarri.
He has looked uncharacteristically vulnerable in defense and underwhelmed going forward. Wan-Bissaka would at the very least provide serious competition for the role – something Davide Zappacosta has never truly offered – with a view to soon usurp the Spaniard.
The bad news for Chelsea is they face stiff competition as both Manchester City and Manchester United are said to be monitoring the defender. The latter clearly has an opening for the role; while, Kyle Walker’s performances have waned in recent months.
However, it is unlikely Wan-Bissaka will leave this January. ‘He’s got a four-year contract,’ was Roy Hodgson’s matter-of-fact response when the issue was raised earlier this week.
That suits Chelsea. The Palace board would likely contradict Roy in the summer if a £40 million bid came in; while, there are a couple of more pressing issues for Sarri to address in the meantime, such as a striker and cover for Jorginho.
In just under 12 months of first team football, Wan-Bissaka has already established himself in the upper echelons of young full backs. Blessed with such natural ability and athleticism, the young lion has an almost unparalleled ceiling of potential.
A summer bidding war no doubt beckons; and if Chelsea manages to keep the player in London, then they could reap the rewards for many years to come.