It's no secret that Chelsea are in the market for new defenders, with a new centre back and a new full-back being prioritised. 

The 27-year-old has caught the eye of many across the footballing world in recent years, and it looks like Ajax will sell for a reasonably cheap price.

With all this talk of the Blues looking to bring the full-back to Stamford Bridge, who is Nicolás Tagliafico?

  • Where it all began:

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tagliafico made his professional debut for Banfield in 2011. In 2012, Tagliafico spent one year at Real Murcia in Spain. It was a chance for the Argentine international to impress on foreign soil.

After a successful stint in Europe, Tagliafico caught the eye of many and played for Banfield until 2015 when he signed for Independiente.

Nicolás would enjoy a great spell with Independiente, eventually captaining the side as well as winning the 2017 Copa Sudamericana

The full-back has been compared to the great Javier Zanetti. Tagliafico would eventually get a shot at international football for his beloved nation of Argentina and has been an established international since.

Making his debut for Argentina in 2017 and captaining Independiente, as well as consistently being a stand out performer, something was missing for Nicolás.

  • Onto pastures new:

In 2018, Tagliafico earned himself a move to a top European side, a dream for all South American's wanting to succeed in the beautiful game.

That club was Ajax, for around £8 million, a bargain to say the least. Since then, he has been ever-present in Erik ten Hag's fearless team.

To be a successful modern-day full-back, you need it all. You need to defend, as well as requiring a decent offensive ability. Tagliafico can do it all.

  • A tactical insight into Nicolás Tagliafico: 

Tagliafico averages at around 13 recoveries per game and when it comes to defensive duels, Tagliafico wins over 65% of them every single game. Throughout the season, the Argentine has been defensively solid, and he has also proved that he's capable of attacking.

Scoring five times in all competitions as well as chipping in with seven assists, Tagliafico is a real threat going forward.

When attacking, Tagliafico loves to burst forward and carry the ball up the pitch and is rarely dispossessed. His passing is solid as well, averaging a percentage of just over 65% per game. Tagliafico has proved that he can bring others into play and cause havoc down the left flank.

  • Is he world-class?

It's fair to say that Nicolás Tagliafico has all the ingredients to become a world-class left-back. Not only has the Argentine stepped up in domestic competitions but he has also impressed on the Champions League scene. This season has been a real stand out campaign for the 27-year-old. 

Nicolás' stats are on par with the likes of, Andrew Robertson, Marcelo, Alphonso Davies and Alex Sandro.

If Chelsea could pull off this deal, the Blues would have a real star on their hands.

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