Forget it Tuchel – Why Chelsea should avoid a swap deal involving these high-quality stars

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Sayan Chatterjee

Why Chelsea should avoid a swap deal involving Jorginho and Christian Eriksen

According to Calciomercato (h/t Daily Mail), Chelsea are considering the possibility of a swap deal between Jorginho and Christian Eriksen.

Both midfielders have fallen down the pecking order at their respective clubs. The clubs are keen on a player plus cash exchange. Inter Milan remain huge admirers of Jorginho, while Chelsea are also looking to sign the former Premier League ace.

Christian Eriksen is in very bad form

Eriksen’s form has been pretty much on the decline over the past year or so. The 28-year-old managed an ordinary return of seven goals and six assists last season despite making 54 appearances for Tottenham and Inter Milan combined. He has just scored one goal this season so far. (Stats Credit: Transfermarkt)

While his experience in the Premier League would be a plus point, the Dane’s declining form means that his signing is fraught with risk. Furthermore, quite where he would fit into Thomas Tuchel’s side is also a major issue.

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24th January 2019, Stamford Bridge, London, England; Carabao Cup football, semi final, 2nd leg, Chelsea versus Tottenham Hotspur; Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur challenges Jorginho of Chelsea.

Chelsea have rarely used a formation that uses a natural No.10. They have mostly used two box-to-box midfielders or a combination of holding midfielders. Eriksen is used to playing in a No.10 role, something he might not get at Chelsea.

Letting go of Jorginho would be a mistake

Ever since Jorginho arrived at Stamford Bridge, he has been under constant scrutiny. There was a ruckus about him playing as a defensive midfielder instead of Kante.

After the arrival of Frank Lampard, Jorginho started to replicate the Napoli form that prompted Chelsea to sign him in the first place. He has looked assured in passing, holding up the ball and screening his defence.

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Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur and Jorginho of Chelsea battle for possession during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 8 January 2019.

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Yes, he may not be an assured starter right now but he does remain one of Chelsea’s most influential and effective players. As a regista, he is a very unique player who comes with a gifted range of passing.

He adds a sense of calmness to the side and gives them that ability to control the game with ease. Chelsea would be making a huge mistake in letting go of Jorginho and bringing in Christian Eriksen.