Marcel Desailly believes Andre Villas-Boas could turn to Yossi Benayoun instead of signing another midfielder.
Israeli midfielder could be the answer, says Desailly
Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly believes Andre Villas-Boas could turn to Yossi Benayoun instead of signing another creative midfielder.
The Premier League side have been pursuing Tottenham's Luka Modric throughout the summer but Spurs insist the Croatia international will remain at the club past the close of the transfer window.
Villas-Boas is beginning to see his squad click during pre-season although the Portuguese is expected to continue with his attempts to bring Modric to Stamford Bridge.
However, Desailly, who spent six years at Chelsea between 1998 and 2004, believes Benayoun has what it takes to step up after a bit-part role last term.
"He's not really the first choice for the whole season but if he comes in he will help other players to express themselves," the Frenchman told
Sky Sports News.
"They need somebody who asks for and wants the ball, who will make the difference and give everyone the confidence to perform. We have a playmaker already inside the club.
"Chelsea need quality players but probably they have the same type of player (as Modric) already in the squad.
"Let's be patient. You could go for established players such as Kaka, who is hungry and wants to prove he is not second best at Real Madrid, or Modric, or you wait."
Benayoun only made seven Premier League appearances last season after rupturing his Achilles in the early stages of the campaign.
He was the subject of anti-Semitic taunts from supporters during Chelsea's recent tour of Malaysia, although the club have received an apology from the Malaysian Football Federation.
