Shaun Wright-Phillips has shared his thoughts on which player Chelsea should target in the upcoming January transfer window.
While Chelsea has shown considerable improvement this season under head coach Enzo Maresca, currently sitting second in the Premier League after 16 matches, Wright-Phillips believes there is one key area the club must strengthen to continue their progress.
Although some football pundits have suggested that Chelsea should focus on acquiring a top striker, such as Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, or even look into replacing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, Wright-Phillips disagrees. He feels Chelsea’s top priority should be to bolster their defense with an experienced centre-back.
Speaking to sportscasting. Wright-Phillips explained that while Osimhen would be an excellent addition to the Premier League, the team’s immediate need is more defensive depth.
Wright-Phillips pointed out that Chelsea’s current squad is not lacking in attacking talent. The team has been able to score goals this season, but their main issue has been conceding avoidable goals.
He emphasized that if Chelsea can address these defensive lapses, it would transform their overall performance. “If they can cut out those defensive mistakes, we’d see a completely different Chelsea,” Wright-Phillips remarked.
The former Chelsea player’s comments underscore the fact that a solid defense is essential for any team with title aspirations, especially in a competitive league like the Premier League.
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has also been vocal about the team’s defensive struggles.
Despite the team’s strong start to the season, he has repeatedly downplayed their chances of competing for the Premier League title, citing defensive fragility as a significant concern.
After Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Brentford, Maresca was candid in his assessment, stating, “No matter how many games we win, we’re not ready to challenge for the title. Teams that know how to win titles don’t concede goals like we did in the last minutes.
That’s something we must improve.” His comments reflect the recognition within the club that defensive improvement is crucial for their long-term success.
As the January transfer window approaches, adding an experienced centre-back could help Chelsea resolve their defensive vulnerabilities.
Such a signing would not only help shore up their defense but also enhance their chances of mounting a serious title challenge. While the addition of an attacking player like Osimhen would undoubtedly be exciting, Wright-Phillips argues that Chelsea should prioritize strengthening their defense to address their most pressing concern.
With a solid, experienced centre-back in place, Chelsea could reduce the number of goals they concede and, in turn, improve their overall performance in the second half of the season.
