Cesar Azpilicuta did start the game the game against Schalek04 two nights ago for us, but surprisingly he didn’t start in his preferred position Right Back, but instead he was given a chance to operate as Left Back in the absence of Ashley Cole. That move was sheer brilliance from Jose . But we did had a ‘back-up’ LB in the form of Ryan Bertrand. Jose seems to be not impressed by the Englishman at all. He played just 2 games since the arrival of ‘The Special One’ . One in the League Cup and the other when Cole got injured.
This brings to our notice the need of having another ‘Good’ LB as Jose seems to have lost faith in Bertrand. Plus Ashley Cole is almost 33 now and doesn’t look as good as he used to be in the past seasons and his contract runs out at the end of this season. Here’s hence a big need for a  new LB and who could hold that place for long in future.
In this piece we will see some options for the LB : –
1)Yuto Nagatomo – Age-27
Club– Inter
Nationality– Japanese
This 27 year old Left back is one of the most versatile left back in the world. He can play as both LB and RB , also on the either side of the mid-field and at times also as a winger. He has a very good stamina , unbelievable pace and tremendous positioning.  In one word he is a ‘workhorse’ .
This season he has played in 8 games scoring 2 times and has 3 assists to his name.
2) Fabio Coentrao : Age – 25
Club- Real Madrid
Nationality– Portuguese
Feautred mere 3 times for the Los Blancos this season, he has clearly fallen behind in pecking order to Marcelo . He tried to force a move in the summer window to Manchester United which eventually failed . He is a very good option as he is looking for playing time and should cost lesser than others as hes being used as a mere bench-warmer by Madrid.
He is better at defending that other LB and when he attacks, he is as good deadly at it. Lesser playing time in the past has clearly got him short of confidence and if we sign him, he should be another ‘great; signing of the Roman era.
3) Luke Shaw : Age-18
Club– Southampton
Nationality– English
Luke could be the best possible replacement for Ashley Cole. He is very young and can be there with the Blues for very long time and is a very good future prospective. He has shown lot of promise for the Saints . Adding a bit, he is a big Chelsea FC fan.
So far, this season, he has 26 clearances and 7 key interceptions to his name. He can improve a lot as hes just 18.
4) Leighton Baines-  Age-28
Club-Everton
Nationality– English
Baines has been approached by Manchester United in the very recent windows but has declined the move. Baines in a ready made complete Left back you could ask for. He is a solid tackler, but is still just an above average defender.  He Last season, he made  116 chances last season – more than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi combined – while Cole made just 17.
This season he has scored 2 goals and has created 11 chances.
Baines’  move to Stamford Bridge is bit hard to happen but if we get him, we would have arguably one of the best LB in the world.