Since Enzo Maresca took over at Chelsea last summer, one of the main talking points has been around how he uses his fullbacks and whether it gets the best out of Reece James, Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella.
We have seen a few different usages of players in these areas, often inverting into midfield alongside Moises Caicedo, pushing higher into the pockets, overlapping to provide width and tucking inside as a third central defender.
Versatility is key for Maresca in these zones, allowing him to change shape based on the opposition game plan, without having to tinker too much with his overall playing personnel.
Therefore, it is important Chelsea recruit smartly in these areas, giving them versatile options that can fulfill as many of those roles for Maresca as possible, and it seems Chelsea could want to continue adding to their squad in that fashion.
Chelsea's hunt for a new defender
According to Sport, as relayed by GOAL, Chelsea have revived their interest in Barcelona defender, Jules Koundé, after previously attempting to secure his services back in 2022, before he made the move from Sevilla to Barcelona.
The 26-year-old has made 132 appearances since joining the club, scoring six goals, providing 18 assists, and totaling 11,186 minutes played. In this time, Kounde has won one La Liga title (2022/23) and two Spanish Super Cups (2022/23 & 2024/25).
The versatility is a huge factor as to why Chelsea want to bring the Frenchman to the club, having the ability to play as both a right-back and central defender.
It reveals that Chelsea are ‘expected’ to submit a substantial offer in the coming weeks, but his future may hinge on contract negotiations, as they want to make a big ‘push’ to land the defender in the summer transfer window.
Kounde vs James & Gusto comparison
Reece James and Malo Gusto have been the right-back choices for Maresca at Chelsea this season, the club captain showing his quality to execute all the Italian’s needs, inverting into midfield, tucking in as a third central defender and attacking the box when needed.
Meanwhile, Gusto has shown great desire to do so, but it hasn’t quite clicked this season for him, being just 21 years old, learning a new role, and experiencing some tough stretches of form. Kounde – described as “one of the best defenders in the world” by his former coach Xavi – would offer a good alternative for both right-back options, whilst also providing centre-back cover.
Goals + Assists
0.23
0.33
0.10
Progressive Carries
1.64
0.66
2.27
Progressive Passes
4.91
5.53
5.35
Pass Completion %
86.5%
85.2%
86.6%
Key Passes
1.06
0.92
0.81
Shot-Creating Actions
1.84
1.45
2.56
Tackles
1.90
0.92
2.33
Blocks
1.32
1.32
1.51
Interceptions
0.71
0.98
0.97
Aerial Duels Won
0.98
2.50
0.41
Whilst the underlying metrics show Kounde’s performance to be worse than both James and Gusto in most areas, his overall completeness is an ability in itself. He has much-needed experience (something Chelsea currently lack) and the versatility to plug holes and fix problems.
Gusto clearly outperforms Kounde in plenty of the metrics analysed above, but has struggled at times to adjust to Maresca’s style of play, sometimes looking to force passes and speed things up when it isn’t necessary. Kounde’s extra experience would be a better current fit for Maresca’s Chelsea side, allowing Gusto to continue to develop with less pressure on his shoulders.
Kounde is much closer to James in profile, having the physical capacity to play as a central defender, which allows Maresca to invert Cucurella from the other side at times, allowing for tactical flexibility in the side.
He also possesses very good 1v1 defensive traits and the ability to provide late overlapping runs when pinning teams inside their own half, making him a seamless backup for James in the right-back position.
Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, has been amazed by Kounde this season, labeling him as “unbelievable” and stating “I’ve never had a player like this.” The German coach praised the Frenchman for his physical condition and attitude, giving his all in every training session and game.
With how Maresca wants to play, an addition like Kounde could be very helpful, covering for Wesley Fofana as a central defender who himself has had some big injury troubles over the last few seasons, whilst also offering right-back cover for the likes of James and Gusto, giving Maresca options on the right side of defence, depending on his game plan and preferred tactical set-up.
