Chelsea had scouts watching “long term” target who shut down world class attackers | OneFootball

The international break is a frustrating time for club football fans – especially this one in September which comes after we’ve just had a tantalisingly short start to the season.

But there are benefits too, and our scouts must love the chance to see players they’re following in different contexts.

Some of these international matches, especially those in South America, are filled with talents, and accordingly the stands are full of scouts. According to TBR Football, a number of Premier League clubs had representatives in attendance to watch Ecuador against Argentina.

Chelsea and Villa send scouts to watch rising star

Joel Ordonez playing for Ecuador. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)

In a game where Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo got send off, Ecuador still managed an impressive win. Scouts from Chelsea and Aston Villa were present to watch the crucial World Cup qualifier win.

The player they all had their eyes on was brilliant. Joel Ordonez was close to a move this summer, but Marseille weren’t able to get a deal done. They now look to have missed their chance – Premier League teams are closing in.

Chelsea “long-term admirers” of South American talent

“Chelsea and Villa are both long-term admirers of Ordonez, so no shock they are both posting scouts to keep tabs on his progress,” wrote Graeme Bailey.

“Seeing him in action against an international-calibre strike force like Argentina is important.”

It’s certainly more constructive to see a player face the likes of Paolo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez than to see them in the Belgian league.

Chelsea are holding fire on defensive reinforcements for now, hoping that Levi Colwill can return to full strength and hoping that Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino live up to their potential. But you can be sure their scouts will be keeping a close eye on Ordonez.