Chelsea made as many as 12 new signings in the 2023 summer transfer window, but arguably the most efficient one has been that of Axel Disasi.
A player who impressed Mauricio Pochettino during his time as Paris Saint-Germain manager, the French defender has become a pivotal part of his plans at Stamford Bridge.
Indeed, Disasi has actually played more minutes (2,305’) than any other Chelsea player in the Pochettino era so far. He has only missed two of their 28 matches over this period and has been able to assert himself as an undroppable in the squad.
Disasi’s versatility definitely helps his cause, as he can play as a centre-back and right-back according to scenarios.
The 25-year-old’s stock is slowly, but surely rising among the Chelsea fan base as the supporters start to identify his value and importance to the team.
However, one particular thing about Disasi’s attitude that many seem to love is the sheer passion and desire he shows for winning for the Blues.
Even though he normally maintains a focused demeanour during the game, Disasi loves to celebrate goals with his teammates and show his passion for the badge.
Particularly, the Frenchman is a real hype man when it comes to celebrating goals – be it by himself or with his teammates.
Disasi actually had a dream debut for the Blues, scoring in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the opening game of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
So it didn’t take him much time at all to show off his highly energetic, unhinged celebrations as he just ran towards the fans and did a little jump to pump up the Stamford Bridge crowd.
That was only the start of what can only be described as the most hyped-up, energetic celebrations in the Chelsea squad by the French defender.
Disasi scored his second goal in a Chelsea shirt in the recent 6-1 battering of Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup, following it with a slick knee-side celebration after making his way past the away fan end.
But it’s not like Disasi’s pulled off passionate celebrations only for himself. He’s just as delighted and pumped up to celebrate goals for his teammates, as he’s shown numerous times over the course of this season already.
Disasi was equally delighted when Nicolas Jackson scored the winner for the Blues in their 1-0 win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup earlier on, pushing him around after the gaol and almost trying to motivate him to believe in himself amid a rough run of form.
He even urged the home fans to show the striker more love and delighted many with his actions.
The Frenchman was at it again in interacting with the Chelsea fans after Cole Palmer’s goal in the 4-1 battering of Burnley earlier this season, urging them to raise their voices and be louder in their love for the team.
It’s clear that Disasi really loves celebrating with the matchgoing supporters after goals, as he did after Cole Palmer’s late goal in the 4-4 draw against Manchester City – throwing a punch towards the Stamford Bridge crowd to showcase his own passion for the cause.
The Frenchman was especially on song in the recent win over Middlesbrough, not only celebrating his goal with high energy levels – but later showing a lot of love to Enzo Fernandez after his smart goal too – even kicking the ball away hilariously into the side.
Some have already started depicting Disasi as the replacement for Antonio Rudiger, who left for Real Madrid in 2022 – in the sense that Disasi has a similar no-nonsense playing style and shows incredible passion for the badge.
The 25-year-old is still relatively young for a defender and has lots more to give for Chelsea. It’s now up to Pochettino & co to use him sensibly and ensure that this addictive fire inside him never burns out.