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Chelsea need their own version of Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk as two players called out
Chelsea need to sign a player in the mould of Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk, according to Frank Leboeuf.
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Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf believes the Blues should look to sign a centre-back with similar attributes to Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman has transformed Liverpool since his arrival at Anfield for £75million in 2018, with the Reds winning the Champions League and Premier League in quick succession.
Chelsea achieved a top-four finish this term – securing qualification for next season's Champions League – while they also reached the FA Cup final but the Blues have struggled defensively.
Frank Lampard is currently in the process of overhauling his squad at Stamford Bridge and has already welcomed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner while Kai Havertz is next on the transfer wishlist.
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However, Leboeuf believes the Chelsea boss should use this opportunity to make a statement signing at the back as the west London club has a lack of leaders in central defence.
Speaking to ESPN FC about Chelsea's centre-backs, the 52-year-old said: “[He needs to improve] all of them. That’s the problem.
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“The goalkeeper is a big issue, but you have to go to the main [issue]. If you’re looking at the main issue, it’s the central defenders.
“[Kurt] Zouma is doing great, but I’m not confident about [Antonio] Rudiger, I’m not confident about [Andreas] Christensen.
"I don’t know what will happen with [Fikayo] Tomori, but I think they need a big guy.
“You saw what happened with Liverpool when they got Van Dijk, he changed everything. Even Lovren and Gomez looked better alongside him.
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“You need a big guy to make sure he’ll lead the defence. Look at [Sergio] Ramos.
"[Raphael] Varane is a fantastic player, but is he still the fantastic player when he plays for France as when he plays for Madrid with Sergio Ramos? He’s better with Real Madrid.
“They [Chelsea] need a big guy in the centre of defence, yeah.”
In addition to Havertz, Chelsea are currently linked with a move for Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell while they are said to be monitoring a host of goalkeepers including Jan Oblak, Andre Onana and Dean Henderson.
There have been fewer concrete links to centre-backs although Lampard is believed to be a big admirer of West Ham star Declan Rice.
The midfielder started his career as a central defender in the Chelsea academy and it has been suggested that the Blues could re-sign the 21-year-old and convert him back to a defender.
Borussia Monchengladbach ace Matthias Ginter is another option while Brighton captain Lewis Dunk has also been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge.
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