Here's why Chelsea should buy Youssuf Mulumbu

Youssuf Mulumbu

At West Brom, Youssuf Mulumbu was given his major break in professional football and did not fail to repay the Baggies for bringing him to England from PSG; his first full season, 2009-10, saw the Congolese international awarded both the club’s and fans’ player of the season prizes.

It has now emerged, however, that Mulumbu is open to a move to a ‘more classy club’, according to reports, a link has been established with the West Brom midfielder and a spot at Chelsea. With the abundance of talent at Jose Mourinho’s fingertips, it is likely that the 26-year-old would command a starting spot at Stamford Bridge; he may, however, provide excellent backup for the likes of Frank Lampard and Ramires.

Mulumbu’s defensive skills are a good aspect of his game and he has successfully completed 47% of his tackles so far this season in addition to making an excellent 48 interceptions. The midfielder, then, would ensure that Chelsea’s core remains strong throughout a game and both of these figures are higher than the Blues’ main midfield trio of Lampard, Ramires and Jon Obi Mikel.

From this, it is evident that Mulumbu would be an excellent addition to the Chelsea side, particularly under a manager, in Jose Mourinho, who places huge emphasis upon defensive solidarity.

Moreover, these defensive skills are complemented by Mulumbu’s exciting ability in attack. With the ball at his feet, the Congolese international is a dangerous player and this is shown by the 77% of his take-ons which have a positive result – a phenomenal 17/22.

This fantastic dribbling ability can switch the flow of a game from one half of the pitch to another in an instant and would give Chelsea extra options in attack whether from the beginning of the game or as a late burst of energy from the bench. Indeed, Mulumbu’s completion rate in this area is higher than Eden Hazard’s, Oscar’s and Juan Mata’s, indicating that the Baggies’ midfield man would be a good signing for Mourinho.

In terms of passing, Mulumbu is adept. The France youth international completes an average of 86% of his passes, more than Lampard and Ramires; this ability to retain the ball is extremely valuable and will ensure that the West Brom man will fit in suitably well at Chelsea should Mourinho make a move.

As seen from Mulumbu’s pass graph in the recent game against the Blues – in which he completed 87% of his balls – the midfielder links defence and attack well and provides the wingers with a plentiful supply of ammunition; this style of play, then, should be comfortably able to adapt to Mourinho’s philosophy.

Whilst many would view Mulumbu as a back-up at Chelsea, there are signs that he could perform dexterously in the Blues’ starting line-up; the statistics show that the Congolese international is skilled in both attack and defence and would strengthen the already huge wealth of talent which Jose Mourinho commands.