Should Chelsea consider signing Andrea Pirlo?

Andrea Pirlo in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale Milano and Juventus FC at San Siro Stadium on September 14, 2013 in Milan, Italy. (Getty Images)

Chelsea have recently been hit by the long-term injury of young midfielder Marco van Ginkel, leaving the club with just three recognised central midfielders in the squad. With a large number of games this season, this could leave the club somewhat light in the middle of the park, which might tempt Jose Mourinho to delve into the transfer market for a new player. Andrea Pirlo could be on the market, so should Chelsea consider a short-term move for the decorated Italian midfielder?

If we observe Pirlo’s passing from Juventus’ 4-0 victory over Lazio on matchday two in Serie A, we can see how much of a key figure he is when in possession.

Pirlo completed 92 passes in this fixture, equating to a staggering passing accuracy of 94%.  The former AC Milan midfielder is the passing heart-beat of his side; the quintessential deep-lying playmaker, something that Chelsea do not possess.

Pirlo is the seventh best passer in Europe’s top five divisions in terms of quantity, with a huge 75 passes per game. In contrast, Chelsea’s top passer is Ramires with 59 passes per game, significantly fewer than the Italian, and at a weaker average pass accuracy of 87% to Pirlo’s 89% completion. If we observe Ramires‘ passing from the victory over Norwich we can see this.

Ramires completed 90% of his passes in this game but we can see that there isn’t the same depth of passing that was completed by Pirlo in the above game. Ramires did touch the ball 71 times in this game but he only completed four long balls.

It’s also worth noting that with 11.4 long balls per game there are only two outfield players who attempt more long passes per game than Pirlo. This demonstrates how effectively he can switch the play and distribute the ball out to the flanks or in behind for the forward. Again, Chelsea do not really posses a player who can do this effectively, John Obi Mikel is Chelsea’s most frequent long passer, yet he averages just 4.3 per game, not even half the number that Pirlo attempts.

Chelsea do not possess a natural ball playing midfielder like Pirlo and should thus consider a short term move for the Italian if he becomes available. Chelsea would clearly benefit from his addition, particularly in the transitions between attack and defence, where his range of passing can be crucial. If Chelsea want to hit balls in behind the opposition’s defence then Pirlo would fit in perfectly. He would have to be partnered alongside Ramires though, to ensure the Blues have the balance Jose Mourinho requires.

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