Chelsea will regret Jacobo Ramon transfer decision as new data emerges
Chelsea must be regretting not moving to sign Jacobo Ramon as he continues to impress with Como at the start of this season.
The Blues' defensive concerns have been exacerbated in the opening weeks of this season under Xabi Alonso.
Just three other teams have conceded more than their nine goals allowed in the opening four league games of the season, while they also let in three against Leeds in the Carabao Cup last week.
Alonso only oversaw the signing of one centre-back to instantly bolster his squad in the summer window, with Maxence Lacroix joining from Crystal Palace.
Chelsea were reportedly keen on prising Spanish youth international Ramon from Como, but instead signed Honest Ahanor from Atalanta and instantly loaned him to the Eagles.
The Como star has been one of the top-performing defenders in Serie A so far this season and looks to be a real star in the making.
Jacobo Ramon continued fine Como form against Parma
The Athletic reported in July that Chelsea had registered their interest in 21-year-old Ramon, with Real Madrid also targeting his signature.
He only left Los Blancos for Como ahead of last season, then featured 37 times in his debut campaign as they qualified for the Champions League under ex-Blues star Cesc Fabregas.
The Serie A club had no plans to let him leave after just one season, with Chelsea quickly pivoting to other targets and eventually signing Ahanor.
Ramon, unlike the Italian international, would have been ready to slot straight into Alonso's squad, as shown by how he has impressed this season.
He ranks among the best centre-backs in Serie A so far for duels won, aerial duels won, recoveries and successful passes per 90.
The 21-year-old netted in their win over Parma on Monday night and put in another strong showing, with five of seven aerial duels won, five recoveries and 16 passes made into the final third.
Chelsea's well-documented defensive issues would surely be less of a problem with the presence of Ramon in the side ahead of their current crop of underperforming centre-backs.
How has Fabregas praised Ramon's performances?
Former top scout Bryan King has told Football Insider that Chelsea had to solve their defensive problems over the summer with another high-profile signing, with Ramon a clear example of someone they missed out on.
Fabregas' opinion remains well-respected at Stamford Bridge, and his trust in Ramon has seen him become one of the most promising centre-backs in Europe right now.
The Como manager praised the 21-year-old's rise earlier this year, saying: "Jacobo Ramon's numbers don't surprise me. He was perfect for our style of play. The only doubt we had was whether he would compete in Italian football, how he would adapt to such a competitive game.
"He has improved a lot and I'm not surprised by his play on the ball. I knew he was that type of player, but there are players who are a bit of a surprise in one context or another. But it's different; some players are made of different stuff."