Chelsea have been better since the end of September. After a delicate start to the season, which saw and still sees the Blues decimated by injuries, Mauricio Pochettino’s team is raising its head from the water. A victory, first, at home in the Carabao Cup against Brighton (1-0), another, at Craven Cottage in the Premier League against Fulham (0-2) and the last, resounding, on the lawn of Burnley ( 1-4) last Saturday. Successes which do good and which have one thing in common: the presence of Axel Disasi in central defense.
If the former AS Monaco player is obviously not the only reason for the Blues’ good dynamic, he has been one of the most regular elements since his arrival this summer for 45 million euros. Enough to deserve a new selection in the French team to replace Jules Koundé, who was withdrawn for the 2nd international break of the season. In defense, Axel Disasi does the job. So much so that he participated in 100% of his team’s matches: 8/8 in the Premier League, 2/2 in the Carabao Cup. The ex-Monegasque brings serenity and a certain reliability within a London rearguard weakened by the injuries of Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell and even Reece James, soon to return to the right. But the native of Val-d’Oise will not give up his place easily.
Axel Disasi scores points, and his territory
“I understand. They want us to win every game because we are Chelsea, we are ambitious. We have to win every game so I understand. I can just say let’s continue together and I think in the future that will be the case. I just try to do my best for the team. I feel better and better on the pitch”, explained Axel Disasi, lucid, after the whistles from Chelsea fans following the draw against Bournemouth (0-0). A leader, the 25-year-old defender knows how to be one, having worn the armband at AS Monaco. But the actions make more noise, and the French international has installed himself in the hinge of the Blues.
Positioned alongside Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi takes care of providing his physical presence while the Brazilian prefers to anticipate opposing offensives. But the vice-world champion is also capable of breaking lines, by passing or by his projections, useful when you are Chelsea and we have the 2nd longest time of possession in England. It is also for his versatility and his quality of foot that Laurence Stewart – former technical director of ASM – decided to bet on Axel Disasi this summer by making the Blues pay no less than 45 million euros. A recruitment which has caused a lot of talk, mainly in France, not in England, where the level of the right-handed defender is getting everyone to agree, he who had already won the hearts of the supporters after his goal against Liverpool in the 1st Premier League day. But until when ?
The Blues defense soon to be overhauled?
If Axel Disasi makes a more than promising debut, we must still note the fact that he takes full advantage of the injuries of his friends. Wesley Fofana, bought for 80 million euros in 2022, represents – when he is not injured – the future of the London defense. The former Leicester player was very good last season before being sidelined once again, for the entire 2023-2024 campaign. Trevoh Chalobah is also hampered by physical problems which forced Chelsea to keep him this summer, despite offers. He’s not really part of the club’s plans. Benoît Badiashile, yes. And he will come back soon. The big left-hander stood out, in a good way, in the London doldrums last year, before getting injured and missing the pre-season. Axel Disasi knows him perfectly since he and Badiashile formed the central hinge of AS Monaco for a time.
“On the pitch, you have already seen, we feel good together and it works. I think he and I complement each other very well. I am perhaps more of a duel player while he likes to receive the ball and launch attacks.specified Disasi, questioned by Sky Sportsalong with his teammate. “Yeah exactly that, we complement each other. And by coming together, we learned to react differently. Axel is a very stable person who likes duels. He’s good at receiving the ball, but it’s not because he does it less (projecting himself) that he’s not good at it., details Badiashile, who could make his return after the international break by allowing Thiago Silva to breathe. What is certain is that Mauricio Pochettino will have to rack his brains to establish his defense. Reece James will take over his right flank, even if Malo Gusto (called up to EDF) and Marc Cucurella have provided good service. The main domino is Levi Colwill, impeccable on the left lane in the prolonged absence of Ben Chilwell. The English central defender therefore frees up a place in the center, which Axel Disasi occupies alongside Thiago Silva. Benoît Badiashile will undoubtedly have to prove himself to make the Brazilian (39 years old) breathe, but at the moment, it is difficult to see the former Reims player outside the Argentine coach’s XI.
