Why Nicolas Tagliafico could definitely replace Ben Chilwell at Leicester
With the rumours of Ben Chilwell’s future circulating around the footballing world, Leicester City have been linked with Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax.
The current Ajax defender has been playing in Holland since January 2018 following his £4 million move from Independiente, and has been in demand this summer for a transfer away from the Johan Cruyff Arena. Does he suit Leicester City?
According to reports in France, City have been keeping an eye out on the player as a possible replacement for Ben Chilwell, with the English defender linked to Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, Brendan Rodger’s side will face competition from French giants Paris Saint-Germain to secure Tagliafico’s signature. Although, FC Porto’s Alex Telles is apparently the French outfit’s preferred target.
How would Tagliafico suit Leicester City?
Like Ricardo Pereira, Tagliafico has Champions League experience: the Ajax left-back played a pivotal part in the club’s semi-final finish last season, appearing on 15 occasions throughout the competition.
With Champions League football on the cards, the Foxes will be hoping to improve on their previous transfer window before they enter European competition again. The services of a full-back of Tagliafico’s quality will certainly be a positive beginning.
The pacy, elegant full-back is aggressive in regaining possession – something that will please Rodgers. The Northern Irishman’s high-pressing and intrusive style of Foxes play is a welcome complement.
Chilwell has a tackle success rate of only 58%, whilst Tagliafico has made more tackles per game than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. The signing of Tagliafico as Chilwell’s replacement would be an efficient addition to the Foxes squad, mainly with the different type of tests that they will encounter abroad.
Consistency in Holland
The 27-year-old Argentine will be on many clubs’ wishlist this summer. With only two years remaining on his contract at Ajax, now would be the ideal time for the current Eredivise champions to cash in on their asset.
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This season he has contributed to 12 goals in all competitions, including adding five finishes of his own. Despite the club being dumped out of the Europa League by Getafe in February, Tagliafico managed to complete 79 per cent of his passes within the attacking tactic used by the team. Foxes of Leicester endorses a bid if Chilwell actually wants a transfer away.