Chelsea’s back-three has been the spine of our success in our previous eight Premier League games. Thibaut Courtois has conceded just two goals in that period, leaving him top of the pile in the race for this season’s golden-glove.
However, despite their stellar performances in recent weeks, it remains to be seen whether they can continue to perform over a long-term basis. Cesar Azpilicueta is a right-back turned left-back turned centre-back and Gary Cahill has continually shown his defensive flaws in recent seasons.
It does beg the question; should Antonio Conte look into the market for further defensive reinforcements? Perhaps he should.
The Sunday People report that Southampton centre-back Virgil Van Dijk has a £25 million buy-out clause in his contract. This is considerably less than his actual market value, at a time where transfer fees are incredibly inflated.
Van Dijk has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Premier League this campaign, and the Sunday People report that Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton are all in the race for his signature.
The Saints centre-back would undoubtedly improve our side and if, as reported, he is available for as little as £25 million; it would seem absurd for Conte not to make a move for him.
