Balague backs Del Horno move

Sky Sports expert Guillem Balague says Asier Del Horno will prove a hit in England.

The La Liga pundit is a keen admirer of the former Athletic Bilbao man who moved to The Blues for £8 million on Tuesday night, and enthused over his ability in an interview with Sky Sports News.

Del Horno has become Jose Mourinho's first summer signing as he looks to maintain the momentum that saw him capture The Premiership and Carling Cup trophies in his first, remarkable year in England.

The Spanish international is expected to usurp both William Gallas and Wayne Bridge in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and Balague has expounded on Del Horno's attacking abilities.

The 24-year-old does not have a very prominent profile outside of Spain after plying his trade for one of La Liga's less successful sides in Bilbao, although Balague is sure that he will prove a hit in England.

"I think there was always doubt about the left back position at Chelsea, at least in the mind of Jose, and I think he's got one of the best available left backs in Spain, no doubt," Balague told Sky Sports News.

"He's been linked to Barca, Real Madrid and Bilbao as a team don't usually sell players but they finally had to sell.

"The offer was probably more than they expected and came as a big sigh of relief.

"The money came as they started renewing some key players and Chelsea are getting an international left back, a man for the big occasions.

"He not only scored against England in the 1-0 victory recently, he has also scored five goals against Real Madrid.

"With him not being a goalscorer that is an extraordinary record.

"He is good in dead-ball situations, good header of the ball, much better attacking than defending as a left back but one that will also play in midfield if necessary because he is more of a left wing back than a full back."

Balague has also reassured Chelsea fans that he is confident Del Horno will have no problems acclimatising to the different demands of the Premier League.

Chelsea have also been pursuing Real Betis star winger Joaquin, although the Sky Sports expert is sure that Del Horno is more open to a move abroad than his international team-mate.

"He is the sort of player you can tell easily he can go anywhere," Balague continued.

"Not like Joaquin for example, you doubt whether he could move to another country and leave Seville behind.

"He [Del Horno] made up his mind about moving on and was happy to say yes, next year he was going to be somewhere else.

"No problems of adaptation, he's gone on holiday to London to check the situation and place and where he could be living, the offer was one he couldn't say no to."