Chelsea Ready To Pounce On PSG’s Fierce Midfield Enforcer

He was a good player during his St. Etienne days, but since signing for Paris St. Germain back in 2011, Blaise Matuidi has gone on to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the game today. It should come as no surprise, then, to see, according to the Daily Express, clubs like Chelsea among others circle him upon hearing news that he is yet to agree an extension to his current contract, which expires next summer. But is Jose Mourinho right to target him?

The 26-year-old France international is very dynamic and hard-working midfielder–qualities that would no doubt endear him to Mourinho. As a holding midfielder, he isn’t one of those headline-grabbing players. Instead, he provides the platform–and a sturdy one which attacking players shine. He does the dirty work that often goes unnoticed when the goals are being scored further up the pitch. But a Squawka Performance Score of 1,691 points, which ranked him not only as PSG’s best player last season but as Ligue 1?s best player, is deserved recognition for him and shows just how vital he is to PSG.

He attempted an average of 3.3 tackles and made 3.5 interceptions per game last season as his club marched to the Ligue 1 title. In fact, the 131 interceptions he made was the most in the league last term. So far this season, he is averaging 3.1 tackles and 2 interceptions per game. He really is a tireless defender and a great reader of the game.

Ligue 1 Top Interceptors Last Season

But as was mentioned, he is more than that, able to offer himself not only in a defensive capacity, but in an attacking one as well. Pass completion percentages of 88 and 91 from last season and this shows how comfortable and reliable he is on the ball, able to circulate it effectively to help his team retain possession. Averaging pass lengths of 16 metres and 15 metres respectively, it’s clear he likes to keep things short, which would account for the high completion percentages, but make no mistake, Matuidi can play a few accurate long balls when he feels they’re on.

Last season he averaged 2.6 long passes per game, completing a decent 78.4% of them. So far this season he is averaging the same amount, but has a slightly higher completion percentage of 80.8. In addition to passing, he is keen to drive forward with the ball at his feet, not afraid to dribble through midfield. And he is effective in doing so, completing 47% of his take-on’s last season and 71% so far this campaign.

Having got into the final third, he is capable of notching a few goals. He netted five last season and has one to his name so far this season. What’s more, he created nineteen chances created last season and 7 so far this campaign showing that he can pick a good pass too.

With his skill set, he is equally comfortable either in a shielding role just ahead of the back four or a more dynamic role in central midfield. Those are precisely the roles he featured in at St. Etienne (as well as left-back) and plays in now at PSG. As far as Chelsea are concerned, they already have a couple quality dynamic central midfielders in Frank Lampard and Ramires. Marco van Ginkel, who is injured at the moment, is dynamic too and has great potential. Also Kevin De Bruyne, though naturally an attacking midfielder, can also play in that role.

What Chelsea lack is a consistent holding midfielder. John Obi Mikel is good on his day, but those days tend to not come round that often. The likes of Oriol Romeu and Nathaniel Chalobah (both out on loan), meanwhile, are talented holding players, but aren’t likely to be relied upon just yet. Matuidi would make an immediate impact and would bring that much needed consistency to the role. In addition, he would be able to break forward to great effect from his holding role when the opportunity presents itself, thus providing an additional attacking option for the side (as though they need it). Mikel, on the other hand, is uncomfortable breaking beyond the halfway line.

Reports suggest that contract talks are ongoing, but should this talented Frenchman fail to agree fresh terms, Chelsea–and other clubs–should be falling over themselves to do a deal, especially for the bargain price he would likely go for.