Last summer, Chelsea secured the signing of Axel Disasi from Ligue 1 side Monaco in a £39 million deal.
He has quickly become a regular starter in his debut season, showcasing his versatility in positions like center-back and right-back.
However, it’s his preferred role at center-half where he appears most comfortable, impressing with 23 appearances across all competitions and scoring on his debut against Liverpool in August.
Former footballer Anton Ferdinand has drawn intriguing parallels between Disasi and former Premier League defender Kolo Toure.
Toure, known for his aggressive and occasionally rash defending, had a successful career with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, despite often playing alongside defensive stalwarts such as Sol Campbell and Vincent Kompany.
Rio Ferdinand on Axel Disasi’s playstyle
Ferdinand sees a similar style in Disasi’s play and believes there is potential for the French international to develop similarly.
Ferdinand expressed his views stating. “ Kolo Toure was a fantastic defender, aggressive, but always had to make last-ditch tackles because of the wrong position… I think he’s (Disasi) very much aggressive, front-foot, like how Kolo started. I think there’s potential in there.”
The comparison is not unfounded, as Disasi’s aggressive and proactive defending aligns with Toure’s style. While Toure may not have always received the recognition he deserved during his playing career, Ferdinand’s observation suggests that Disasi’s aggressive approach may be an asset for Chelsea.
Despite showing promise, there is a call for more consistency in Disasi’s defensive performances. Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged the defender’s potential for improvement earlier this month, emphasizing the need for continued development.
As Disasi aims to secure a permanent spot in Chelsea’s starting lineup, he will need to elevate his performance levels.
However, his start and appearances suggest he could potentially become one of the unsung heroes crucial for a successful team.
With time and continued development, Axel Disasi may evolve into a key figure in Chelsea’s defensive setup, reminiscent of the aggressive and impactful style embodied by the likes of Kolo Toure.
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