Dario Essugo joins Chelsea as a promising but raw defensive midfielder, expected to provide cover for Moisés Caicedo next season. At just 20 years old, he has shown strong physicality, ball-winning ability, and progressive movement, but his game remains error-prone and ill-disciplined—something Enzo Maresca will need to refine.
Chelsea’s latest midfield addition, Dario Essugo, arrives with a growing reputation as a tenacious ball-winner with some playmaking skill. Having made his Sporting CP debut at 16, he struggled for minutes at his parent club, leading to loan spells at Chaves (Portugal) and Las Palmas (Spain), where he gained valuable experience.
Essugo has impressed with his ability to intercept play (1.9 per 90 mins, among the best in La Liga) and his confidence on the ball. He shields possession well and looks comfortable turning under pressure—qualities that could make him an asset in Maresca’s Chelsea system. However, he has also shown poor decision-making under pressure, notably giving the ball away against Real Valladolid, leading to a red card for a teammate.
His discipline is another concern. Essugo has been sent off twice in his last four games, including one instance where he sarcastically applauded the referee, earning an extended suspension. While midfield enforcers often rack up fouls, his current rate (1.8 fouls per 90) is comparable to Caicedo (2.0) and Enzo Fernández (1.8)—suggesting he will need to refine his approach to avoid unnecessary suspensions.
Chelsea see Essugo as a long-term investment, much like their other recent youth-focused signings. While he brings strong physical attributes and technical ability, his transition to the Premier League will require improved discipline and decision-making.
