Why Porto’s Joao Moutinho is the best choice for Chelsea – Portuguese Primeira Liga Special
The Premiership giants are in hot pursuit of the Porto midfielder and have identified Moutinho as the ideal replacement for the injured Michael Essien. Bettor.com analyzes why he is the best choice for the club.
Chelsea were linked with numerous Porto players following the appointment of Andre Villas-Boas as the new manager. The Portuguese tactician was responsible for molding the Portistas from an under-achieving team to a side that hauled in an unprecedented quadruple
of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, UEFA Europa League, Portuguese Primeira Liga, Portuguese Cup and the Portuguese Super Cup.
The most prominent name rumoured to be the subject of a bid from the English giants was Radamel Falcao and not Joao Moutinho. But following the injury of midfield enforcer Michael Essien, it looks like the Blues have changed their priorities from an out
and out goal scorer to some one who can dominate the centre of the park and lift the burden off the ageing limbs of Frank Lampard.
Moutinho is seen by his former manager as the ideal choice to step into the Essien’s boots and he has very good reasons for his decision.
Firstly, one the main reasons why Villas-Boas is so keen on luring the player to Stamford Bridge is because of the age of the player. At 24, Moutinho represents an investment for the long-run and is yet to even reach the peak of his footballing career. His
youthful years also mean that he could also be sold for a profit later and his transfer would not only make footballing but financial sense as well.
Secondly, his abilities are undoubted and he is known to be one of the best on the pitch. The Portuguese International has tested his mettle against top clubs in the Portuguese League and has been capped by the National team 33 times, which has added to
his already bulging experience. The former Sporting man has demonstrated his abilities to play the role of the holding midfielder and this would suit the Chelsea team very well.
By breaking up play and initiating his teams attack, Moutinho would allow the likes of Frank Lampard and Ramires to focus solely on creating chances and scoring, leaving the defensive bit to the Selecao International.
The former Lions man has also proven that he is a great squad player as well and can also be drafted in the attacking midfield role and is comfortable on either flank. His versatility could also prove to crucial for the Blues, as players like Lampard are
known to be injury prone and spend months on the sidelines. In his absence, Moutinho could step up and lead the charge for the Londoners.
His uncanny ability to play on either the left or right has made him a sought after commodity and if required he could even take the role of a wide midfielder.
Lastly it also comes down to the market value and other options the London outfit can utilise. Chelsea have already lodged an official bid for Tottenham star, Luka Modric, but their cross-town rivals are not willing to part with the player despite the Croatian’s
willingness to seek a transfer.
Spurs have also placed a hefty price tag on their star playmaker and will not even think about letting him leave for less than €50 million. Although the Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, has the fiscal power to acquire any player, he will be hesitant to splash
the cash, due to the ominous impact of the last big money signing.
With a €40 million buyout clause, Moutinho’s transfer would also bode well with the strict financial rules UEFA will apply in the coming seasons.
Although Modric is high on the transfer list at Stamford Bridge, Moutinho should be the priority as he the best choice available to the London based side as the replacement for Michael Essien.