Video Evidence: Bruno Alves (Chelsea)

Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that Chelsea have expressed an interest in Porto’s €30 million centre-half Bruno Alves.

With “Mr Chelsea” John Terry’s future yet to be resolved it seems as if Carlo Ancelotti is lining up all his ducks in the unlikely scenario that the Blues sell their skipper.

Alves stands at  6'2 1/2" and has spent all his career contracted at Porto (although for three seasons he went out on loan to gain experience). It was not until 2006 that Alves got his chance with the first team, but when it arrived he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and become a stalwart of the team helping the club to four league titles and two Portuguese cups.

The Portuguese centre-half is a John Terry clone. He leads by example and is immensely brave. He is strong in the tackle and has great positional awareness. Similarly to Terry he lacks pace and requires a partner who can cover this deficiency.

Alves’ aerial prowess is legendary moping up everything in his own box whilst offering a threat at set pieces. The only criticism that may be made of him is that he leads with his foot high which will almost always culminate in the referee signalling for a foul.

Alves’ father, who doubles up as his agent, has stated that the player wants to leave Porto. At 27 he is entering what should be the best years of his career. Barcelona have been trailing the player this transfer window and so far have refused to meet the club’s valuation leaving a window of opportunity if Chelsea wish to buy him.

In the unlikely event that Terry leaves Chelsea, this is a player that will definitely interest the club, although a bidding war may erupt with Real also on the look out for a centre-half.

Video evidence showing off Bruno Alves’ tough-tackling can be seen here.