Why Southampton left-back Luke Shaw is perfect for Chelsea

Luke Shaw

The structure implemented in youth football across the nation has seen a huge amount of players being turned away solely because of their lack of height over the last decade or so and it’s lead to a wealth of young individuals falling out of football. While other European countries focus their attention on the technique of kids breaking into the game the English game seem more attentive to those who literally stand above the rest. Chelsea are a club who are guilty of letting talent slip through their fingers at a young age, as the Mirror explain how the west London outfit rejected Luke Shaw a place in their academy aged just eight – a mistake that is likely to cost the Blues around £30million as they continue their search for an Ashley Cole replacement.

Since having his dreams shattered by those at the helm of Chelsea’s youth set-up, Shaw has steadily established himself as one of the most impressive left-backs in the Premier League with Southampton and has earned himself a regular spot in the England U21 defence. His sparkling form over the last year or so has thrown him into the spotlight and, as a boyhood Chelsea fan, is seen by many as the natural choice to succeed Ashley Cole at Stamford Bridge.

Although the 18-year-old made his debut at St Mary’s while the club were still in the Championship, it was last season when he progressed as first-choice. After seven losses from their first nine, Nigel Adkins turned to the youngster in order to freshen up their performances, which turned out to be a shrewd move. The Saints lost just once in their next five outings and Shaw was slowly showing us just what he was about.

Luke Shaw Duels Won (Last Season)

With a tendency to burst down the wing, knock the ball inside and then continue down the flank for the return pass, he made 10 key passes in his debut season in the top-flight and won 43 of his 51 attempted tackles, despite going up against some of the most impressive wingers in Europe.

After making 25 appearances last time out he’s missed just two appearances this time round in the league and his form is slowly picking up to the standards he set himself last season.

Shaw is a major piece to the Mauricio Pochettino puzzle. His energy levels allow the backline to squeeze up as a unit with the safety net of the left-back’s speed to recover should they be penetrated, but while he’s solid defensively – his 57% duel success is amongst the best at the club – it’s his determination to get up the pitch and support his offensive colleagues that has really seen him shine.

Luke Shaw Duels Won (This Season)

Sunday provided the chance for Shaw to go up against Chelsea in a battle at the top of the Premier League table, and although the Hampshire outfit eventually fell to a 3-1 defeat, the left-back put in an adequate display. Shaw won all five of his attempted tackles, one of which was in the penalty area, made five successful clearances and made a crucial interception just after half time.

He also displayed his strong decision making skills, winning four of his five take-ons and completing 21 of his 27 of his passes – one of which was a key pass. His stamina came into play, as his heat map suggests, and he was on hand in the central areas when Dejan Lovren needed a hand containing Fernando Torres and Demba Ba.

Although his individual showing would not have been one that ingrained itself into Jose Mourinho’s head but he once again proved that he can cut it against the big boys in the league. Shaw’s current level of ability is enormous but his potential is even bigger, and if Chelsea – or any other club – decide to splash the cash to secure his services then the likelihood of them being repaid on the pitch is surely odds-on.