Aaron Anselmino, despite only having one full year in senior football, has already caught the eye of Chelsea, who have made a significant £17 million ($22m) investment to secure his talents from Boca Juniors, as reported by The Athletic.
While there are conflicting reports about Anselmino’s immediate future, with suggestions of a loan spell back to Boca Juniors or to Chelsea’s affiliate club Strasbourg, he has committed to a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Who Is Aaron Anselmino?
Anselmino was born in Bernardo Larroude, a village located in Argentina’s La Pampas province: one of the largest open grassland areas in the country. Details on his upbringing are not widely known, but he managed to break into Boca’s academy ranks at the age of 12, and his rise to prominence was meteoric.
Boca is one of the most renowned talent factories in world football, with the likes of Carlos Tevez, Fernando Gago, Ever Banega and other big stars.
Argentine coach Jorge Almiron handed Anselmino his debut at the age of 18, as he came on as a half-time substitute in an Argentine Primera Division clash against Lanus in June 2023, and managed to leave a lasting impression. Anselmino helped drive Boca out of defence at every opportunity and snuffed out a number of promising Lanus attacks, which earned him special praise from Almiron.
Strength on and Off the Ball
Aaron Anselmino is a commanding, two-footed centre-back known for his prowess in one-on-one situations. With an intimidating physical presence and impressive pace, the Boca Juniors prodigy has caught the attention of Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca. This interest likely stems from Maresca’s plans to implement a high defensive line next season, a system where Anselmino’s speed and defensive capabilities would be highly beneficial.
In possession, Anselmino’s attributes are even more impressive. He is an accomplished passer who enjoys getting on the ball and breaking through lines to drive his team forward. Despite his young age, he displays remarkable composure and a high footballing IQ. These qualities also enable him to play in various positions, including as a holding midfielder.
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Nicknamed ‘Cata’ at Boca Juniors in homage to former Argentina defender Daniel Diaz, Aaron Anselmino shares Diaz’s aggressive streak but surpasses him in technical quality. More aptly compared to Walter Samuel, Argentina’s current assistant manager, Anselmino combines his versatility and defensive prowess with impressive composure and footballing intelligence, making him a standout talent and a valuable asset for Chelsea.
Room for Improvement
One area where Aaron Anselmino can improve is his reluctance to use his weaker left foot, despite being more than competent with it. This hesitation often leads him to shift his body unnecessarily to control or carry the ball with his right foot, which can occasionally result in him being dispossessed.
Overall, Aaron Anselmino is a promising young talent with a bright future. His defensive prowess, passing ability, and versatility make him a valuable addition to Chelsea’s squad.