Chelsea defender Axel Disasi says he drew comparisons to Stamford Bridge legend Marcel Desailly during the early chapters of his career. The former Monaco man completed a £38million switch to west London earlier this week and now he’s determined to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI.
Disasi has attracted strong Premier League interest this summer but it was the Blues who came out of nowhere to wrap up a surprise deal with the Ligue 1 side.
Chelsea were forced into the market after Wesley Fofana ruptured his ACL ahead of the new season.
Manchester United and Newcastle were both interested but Chelsea’s quick approach to negotiations saw them beat their rivals to the punch.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Disasi made a statement that may excite supporters ahead of his Chelsea debut.
“My first coach said you are like Marcel Desailly and it’s also similar to my name,” Disasi said.
“Desailly, Disasi, they’re a little bit the same, so the people say you are like Desailly and he was a good player, a great player of the French national team and for Chelsea also.”
Disasi was part of the France squad that reached the World Cup final in Qatar.
He also captained Monaco during various parts of last season as his stock continued to rise.
The 25-year-old can operate at both centre-back and right-back and will help provide competition for the likes of Levi Colwill and Thiago Silva as Chelsea seek to return to the Champions League.
The player has also told supporters what they can expect when he takes to the field, adding: “I’m a defender who likes to properly look for the ball and win it back.
“The best way of anticipating the opposition player’s move is by being in the best position possible.
“I like to have the ball at my feet and play passes. I like interceptions, and I like to be aggressive with the opposition, to use my physicality.
“When I was younger, I started as an attacker. When I got bigger, I moved back. As a professional I have played left-back, right or left centre-back or in a three, and with the national team at the World Cup at right-back.
“I like full-back too because it allows me to play more with the ball. I like to be offensively minded, and I can score goals.”
Chelsea could yet add more quality to their squad before the September 1 transfer deadline with plenty of work still to be done in the market.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has now arrived in a £25m deal from Brighton and he will seek to provide competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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