Chelsea Watching Centre-Back With 86% Pass Success, But What Else Could He Offer The Blues?

Managers going back to their old clubs to sign players that they have worked with previously is not a new thing in football, it's common and has been going on for years. And although this chap narrowly missed out on working for Jose Mourinho when the Portuguese boss was at the helm at Inter, the Express are reporting that the Chelsea manager could be swooping for the services of Andrea Ranocchia in January.

The giant centre-back has played in 13 of Inter's 16 Serie A games this season and is perhaps seen as the perfect replacement for David Luiz, who many expect to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge as he struggles to get into the side.

Ronacchia, a 12-time Italy international, is a ball-playing centre-half who loves to knock it about the pitch. So far this season he has completed 86% of his attempted passes and won 11 of the 14 take ons that he attempted. He's not afraid to chip in with the gritty stuff, though.

He has averaged eight defensive actions per game while winning 39 headers and completing 18 tackles.

For me, the best central defensive partnerships are the ones with one rough, combative player who is dominant in the air and is willing to die for the cause, and one calmer player who can play the ball out from the back. Sticking Ronacchia next to John Terry could work wonders, should the move happen. 

Follow @footyfriends

stats via Squawka