Shaun Wright-Phillips Suggests a Key Target for Chelsea in January
Chelsea has been performing well this season under manager Enzo Maresca, sitting second in the Premier League after 16 matches and showing significant progress. However, former player Shaun Wright-Phillips believes there is one crucial area the club needs to address during the January transfer window.
While some experts suggest Chelsea should replace goalkeeper Robert Sanchez or sign a top striker like Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Wright-Phillips offers a different perspective. In an interview with sportscasting.com, he emphasized that Chelsea’s priority should be to sign an experienced centre-back.
Wright-Phillips Highlights Chelsea’s Defensive Issues
“I think Victor Osimhen would be a great addition to the Premier League,” Wright-Phillips commented, “but I don’t believe Chelsea’s priority should be the striker position right now. They let Thiago Silva leave without replacing him, and what they really need is experience in defence.”
Wright-Phillips noted that Chelsea has not been struggling to score goals this season, but rather, their main issue has been conceding avoidable goals. “If they can eliminate those defensive mistakes, we’d see a completely different Chelsea,” he added.
Maresca Acknowledges Defensive Shortcomings
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, has also recognized the team’s defensive weaknesses. Despite a strong start to the season, Maresca has repeatedly downplayed Chelsea’s chances of competing for the Premier League title.
After a 2-1 victory over Brentford, Maresca remarked: “No matter how many games we win, we’re not ready to challenge for the title. Teams that know how to win titles don’t concede goals like we did in the last minutes. That’s something we need to improve.”
The Need for a Centre-Back
As the January transfer window approaches, adding an experienced centre-back could address Chelsea’s defensive issues and improve their title hopes. While signing an attacking player like Osimhen would be exciting, Wright-Phillips argues that strengthening the defence should be the club’s top priority.
With Chelsea maintaining strong form this season, reinforcing their defence could be key to their long-term success.
