Chelsea interested in Newcastle midfielder
Friday, December 14, 2012 at 8:00 PM | by Patrick Gleeson 
Rafa Benitez is looking to add a bit of muscle into his midfield with the acquisition of Cheick Tiote.
As the January transfer window edges closer, the amount of rumours naturally grow in size and indeed so does the desperation, but this one could actually have a bit of weight to it.
And no, I don’t mean because his head is the size of a tractor wheel.
Think about it, what are Chelsea screaming out for? Okay, not an owner who allows his manager to stay in charge for more than a few hours, but a strong, commanding defensive midfielder.
The bucketfuls of flair they possess in attack needs a bit of steel to win the ball back for them when Fernando Torres inevitably loses it, and as Oriol Romeu is crocked and John Obi Mikel is off doing his thing for Nigeria, who will be there to sweep up possession?
Rafa has recently deployed David Luiz in the position as his defensive work is about as dodgy as his barnet, but he offers composure and creativity whilst on the ball, as well as being decent in a tackle.
What does Tiote offer that Chelsea will be looking for, I hear you scream..
Well, can he tackle? Check. Can he pass a ball? Check. But would he solidify the Chelsea side and plug their leaky goals against? Cheick.
Reader Comments (1)
he would be a good signing but isnt he from ivory coast? i dont know much about the teams in african cup of nantions this season since drogba and kalou have left so i dont read up on it. However wont he be leaving for afcon in January aswell?