Former Sunderland, PSV Eindhoven and Sweden striker Ola Toivonen has been singing the praises of his teammate Anel Ahmedhodzic, a reported Chelsea target.
The Swede, who now plays in his home nation with Malmo FF, made only 12 appearances in the Premier League, including one against the Blues during the 2015/16 season.
Now, 34, Toinoven has been playing alongside 21-year-old central defender Ahmedhodzic and has been impressed by what he has seen from the Bosnian international, saying: ”What he already has at this young age is very much of what is needed.”
Speaking to Dplay via Fotboltransfers, the 64-cap striker explained what the youngster needs for his development: “(He needs) a team where he plays every week. A top team in Holland or a middle team in Germany, I think would suit him very well for his development.”
Formerly on the books of Nottingham Forest, Ahmedhodzic has also been linked with PSV and AC Milan as well as a move to Stamford Bridge.
READ CHELSEA VERDICT
This is a story which has gone somewhat under the radar until recent days. However, a glowing endorsement from an experienced operator such as Toivonen can only be a plus point for Ahmedhodzic.
Despite the recent improvement in the Chelsea defence, mainly orchestrated by the performances of Thiago Silva, at 36 years old the Brazilian won’t be able to go on forever, so Frank Lampard may be wise to start preparing an understudy.
At just 21, Ahmedhodzic could be the ideal prodigy to come in and learn from someone like Silva, who has a wealth of experience in the game.
Although blessed in numbers at the back with Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, as well as Silva, the Blues would be wise to start the hunt for younger reinforcements with greater long-term potential.
Valued at just over £1m by Transfermarkt and coming from the Swedish top flight, Allsvenskan, the finances involved are likely to remain very much on the affordable side for the club.
