Following Chelsea’s group-stage exit in the Women’s Champions League, it became clear that changes would need to be made to the squad. In typical Chelsea fashion, they haven’t waited long as today the club announced the signing of Russian left-back Alsu Abdullina from Russian champions Lokomotiv Moscow. Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes had high praise for Alsu Abdullina in her comments on the signing “Alsu is a very good young player who has accumulated a lot of club and national appearances for her age.”
Alsu Abdullina Joins Chelsea Women
We’re delighted to announce the signing of Alsu Abdullina!
The @TeamRussia left back will join the Blues for the second half of the 2021/22 season. 🙌 #AlsuChelsea2024
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) December 22, 2021
History
Alsu Abdullina is just 20-years old but has already been part of title-winning teams with Lokomotiv Moscow, a mentality that is needed to succeed at Chelsea and even been capped by Russia at every level. After spending three seasons at Chertanovo Abdullina made the move to Lokomotiv Moscow where she became a fixture in the side over the course of their league and cup-winning seasons.
In her last season with Lokomotiv, Abdullina scored five goals in 23 games, something which no doubt drew the attention of the attack-minded Chelsea team.
Where She Can Slot In
With her attacking mind, it would be no surprise to see Abdullina compete with Guro Reiten for the left wing-back spot in the team. Even if Abdullina is unable to unseat Reiten from the starting line-up she can offer some depth to a Chelsea squad that will need as many quality players as possible if they aim to compete on all fronts going forward.
What Chelsea will be hoping for from Abdullina is to continue her goal-scoring exploits from her final season at Lokomotiv Moscow, first and foremost Emma Hayes’ team aims to beat teams into submission with its combination of pressing and goalscoring prowess. With squad rotation being more needed than ever Alsu Abdullina and her skill set will be an important addition to the team. The rotational role is something that Hayes hinted at in her comment on the signing “Alsu is a versatile player who can play any position on the left, adding more depth to the squad.”
Main Photo
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