Why we must sign Fabio Coentrao to solve LB situation

One of the weakest positions in Jose Mourinho’s starting 11 is the Left Back spot. Veteran Ashley Cole was the undisputed man for the spot in the last 6 years at Stamford Bridge since his move from London rivals Arsenal. But, at the age of 32, the left back has seemingly lost his stamina, energy and pace going forward like he was known for through his career.

Since the brilliant performance against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Super cup game where he put Arjen Robben in his pocket, Cole has never been the stand out player for the Blues. We lacked width and support for Eden Hazard in big games like against Tottenham at White Heart Lane and in the disappointing loss to Newcastle at St. James Park.

The back-up for Cole is Chelsea academy graduate and English youngster Ryan Bertrand. The 23 year old isn’t quite ready to play an important role in big matches and in big moments like Cole does. Even though he has big match experiences like the UCL final triumph over Bayern Munich in 2012, Mourinho cannot yet feel confident in putting him in for big matches when we need to win.

So, this brings the question, what must be done to solve the situation in Left back? At least for now, the Special one has opted to put Spanish right back Cesar Azpilicueta at Left back in the last two games before the International break. Even though, it’s his unnatural position, ‘Dave’ has provided depth and energy combined with sheer discipline in defense.

Mourinho tested Azpi there first in the 3-0 away win at Schalke and was satisfied with the experiment. The Portuguese manager appreciated his defensive duties at stopping Schalke wingers in counter attacking situations but, the Spaniard surely can’t be an option for the spot in the long term. My preference as to who we might sign easy is Real Madrid’s out of favor Fabio Coentrao.

The Portuguese was reportedly one of the few players at the Bernabeu locker room who had good relationships with Mourinho in his last season in La Liga. Coentrao played big games like against Manchester United in both legs of the UCL last 16 game and also in crunch el clasico derbies against Barcelona. That’s how much trusted and favored he was under Mou last season and the previous.

This season, under Italian Carlo Ancelotti, Marcelo has been the favored man at the back instead of the Portuguese. That would surely tempt Coentrao to leave the Bernabeu if the right kind of offer arrives in January or next summer. Also the sign in fee won’t be that big as even Tottenham Hotspur have considered getting him for a part exchange for Gareth Bale’s transfer to Real Madrid.

Luke Shaw would be a good option since he is English, accustomed to the league and country and also told to be a huge Chelsea fan since child hood. But, his club, Southampton demand as high as 25m pound for his services whether be it January or next summer. Unless there is an option of getting him for much smaller price, Fabio Coentrao in my opinion will be a great player to sign for the long term fix of the LB situation.

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