ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 20: Emerson Palmieri (C) of AS Roma competes for the ball with Simone Edera and Ebenezer Acquah of Torino FC during the TIM Cup match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Olimpico Stadium on December 20, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Chelsea sign Emerson Palmieri
The Brazilian full-back has joined the Blues from Roma on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
According to reports, the deal was worth around £17.6 million which is a bargain considering the vast sums spent on players in this transfer window alone. Palmieri is only 23-years-old and he consistently impressed last season as Roma managed to finish second in the league. However, a knee injury at the end of May curtailed his development at a crucial time. During the time he was out, Aleksandar Kolarov came in and took his place.
This injury and his subsequent long-term recovery may be part of the reason why he was available on the cheap. If so, this benefits Chelsea substantially because they have got a talented young player at a bargain price for a key area in the squad.
Chance Analytics produced an interesting article in March last year which highlighted his impressive statistics. Replicating those figures could make him one of the best left-back/left wing-backs in the league.
Palmieri has the attacking ability to thrive as a wing-back, which is a key component in Antonio Conte’s system. They are tasked with providing the width in order to stretch opposition defences while also slotting in to form a compact defensive shape. His heavy involvement in Roma’s build up play is likely to be less important at Chelsea considering how they like to absorb pressure and break on opponents. However, it could be useful when playing teams who like to concede possession and sit in a low block.
Much-needed depth
Palmieri is cup-tied, so he won’t be able to play in the Champions League this season. However, he will provide another option for Conte in the domestic competitions. This is vital because Marcos Alonso was at risk of burnout due to the sheer amount of fixtures.
He provides an excellent long-term option for the club in that role. Although the short-term nature of Chelsea’s decision-making means that this might not be properly appreciated. However, this shouldn’t take away from the fact that this is an excellent signing. There is also the point that he provides immediate competition for Alonso who has made the role his own; this is always good because relying on a specific individual isn’t healthy for him or the team.
Conte also has the option to shift to a back four if needed. Palmieri’s time at Rome proves his comfort with switching between different formations. Alonso doesn’t seem defensively minded enough to thrive as a full-back even though there are only subtle differences between the positions.
