Achraf Hakimi to Chelsea: What is happening with the Moroccan?

Why does Chelsea want Hakimi?

The answer to that question is simple. Chelsea wants him because he is among the best in his position in the world. Hakimi is also a player the Blues have followed extensively; The Athletic reports that the club’s interest in the player goes back to his academy days at Real Madrid.

Hakimi’s attacking ability truly stands out in statistics. The wing-back scored seven goals and provided nine assists across all competitions for the Nerazzurri last term, which made him their third-highest goal contributor.

Over the last year, he was among the top three percent of his positional peers in terms of non-penalty goals, assists, as well as the combined expected non-penalty goals and assists, which proves that not only was he scoring at an impressive rate, but he did so sustainably.

The Moroccan’s proclivity to join in the attack can be measured by his touches per 90 in the attacking penalty area (4.43 – 99th percentile) and progressive passes received (5.75 – 98th percentile) – as per FBREF.

But how about defense? Hakimi is a proactive defender, measured by his 16.99 pressures per 90, which ranks him in the top five percent.

He doesn’t retreat backward after losing the ball, rather he actively presses his opponents high up the pitch to win it back, as conveyed by his 5.19 attacking pressures per 90 (99th percentile).

Hakimi’s arrival will impact Reece James. The Chelsea right-back is coming off a brilliant season during which he was among the best performers on the team.

However, James’ adaptability can make room for him and Hakimi in the same starting eleven, with the former adept at playing as the right-sided center-back in a back three.