Chelsea need to recall Lesley Ugochukwu – here is why

Chelsea’s recruitment policy over the past few years has come under huge amounts of scrutiny, considering the amount spent in such a short time. Moreso, the player profile that fans have continued to question.

The questions that Enzo Maresca and the directors were facing in regards to recruitment were put on hold, with the Blues’ good form.

However, no league wins in the last five have brought back uncomfortable conversations again. Most notably in the midfield department. Even conversations of some questioning the sale of Conor Gallagher.

Many will point to Andrey Santos as the solution, but we take a look at why Lesley Ugochukwu could prove to be the better fit. At least, in the short term.

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The long-lasting need to replace Nemanja Matic

Many will point to N’Golo Kante as the ‘replacement’ for Nemanja Matic, which is fair to an extent. Both excelled in defensive actions. Breaking up play was the centre-piece of their game. However, I think there was a simple difference in size. Matic was a giant – an absolute presence in the middle of the pitch. Kante was excellent physically but imposed his game differently to the Serbian.

To put it simply, Liverpool’s key man in midfield has been Ryan Gravenberch. City have struggled without Rodri. Two players, who possess such ease in being able to cover distances with long strides in such a short space of time. Two dominant talents who read and anticipate spaces ever so well. Chelsea have lost that the day since Matic departed to join Manchester United.

Kante in my opinion, is more comparable to Moises Caicedo. The two can break up play ever so well but have more to their game rather than holding their positions when the team pushes up. Title winning teams in the Premier League tend to consist of a defensive midfielder who can hold the midfield on their own. Chelsea lack that player and it’s been evident over several years.

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Is Romeo Lavia not the answer?

Romeo Lavia’s been excellent when available under Enzo Maresca. A player who I think has been extremely unlucky in regards to his injury struggles. He’s shown to be a top player, providing great balance to the midfield freeing up Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.

However, injuries have continued to be his Achilles heel. To produce results and consistent performances, Maresca needs his best players fit. Will Lavia ever be able to shrug his injury problems off? We can hope but the sporting directors need to focus on the present situation.

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Is Lesley Ugochukwu really the answer in providing balance?

Many will point to Santos, who has undoubtedly been excellent at Strasbourg. A fantastic midfielder who excels in all departments of the game. Possesses attributes that everyone would ideally want from a midfielder. However similarly to Caicedo, both seem to thrive given more freedom to roam up the pitch.

Ugochukwu’s performances for Southampton since Russell Martin’s sacking have been promising. On Wednesday night, he produced a stellar display at Old Trafford. Not only playing a part in their goal but he showed traits of what you’d like to see from a ‘bullish’ type midfielder.

🇫🇷 Lesley Ugochukwu vs Manchester United 🌟

🔸83 minutes played
🔸62 touches
🔸37/41 accurate passes (90%)
🔸5/6 ground duels won
🔸4/5 aerial duels won
🔸1/1 successful dribbles
🔸3 tackles made
🔸3 blocked shots 🚫
🔸3 clearances made

The 6ft 3 French Destroyer 💪 pic.twitter.com/lTg9cicReQ

— Connor (@ConnorHolden00) January 16, 2025

He showed positional discipline that you want from a defensive midfielder, but he also showed his threat from set-pieces on occasions. The Frenchman has the build and potential to be a dominant defensive midfielder, much like an Aurelien Tchouameni.

The potential is very much there. Whether he develops into a true top defensive midfielder remains the interesting question for Chelsea.

It’s hard to see Chelsea dominate games without Lavia currently. The hype around the pivot of Caicedo and Enzo was always to run out at some point, with neither possessing the defensive instincts to be that rock in front of the backline. Recalling Ugochukwu would certainly improve the balance of the midfield, but Maresca may not trust the 20-year-old on-the-ball.

Written & edited by Vikram Jajuha (@CFCVik)