The Mezzala In Midfield

Published Originally 2nd July 2022.

Another season has gone, meaning another batch of Chelsea loanees are set to return to Cobham over the coming weeks with alternating futures lying ahead.

Despite the negative reputation Chelsea have garnered over their use of the loan market attracting concerns over ‘stock-pilling’ and hindering development, the system has seen successful pathways benefitting a host of players in recent years. You don’t need me to tell you that the loans experienced by current stars such as Mason Mount and Reece James and also former players such as Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham (let’s not continue this list for our own sanity) have been supremely beneficial to their development.

This year’s loanee assortment is a shorter list compared to previous seasons as the club made a conscious effort to reduce its stock of talent contracted to the club but plying their trade elsewhere. No more loans to Vitesse Arnhem! With UEFA loan restrictions coming into play from this season the club will have to use the loan market more strategically for player development.

Note-not including all loan players such as those who have already confirmed they’re leaving such as Danny Drinkwater and Jake Clarke-Salter or younger players who had loans in non-league teams such as Ethan Wady.

GOALKEEPERS

Nathan Baxter-Recently on loan at Hull City-23 Years Old-Contract Expires 2023-Height-6’3″- Weight-76kg

Having joined Hull as the GK backup, Baxter forced himself above Matt Ingram to finish as the Tigers’ number one. After not playing in the first 16 league games, Baxter then started the next 12 league games in a row before an injury put him out of action for over two months. He resumed to keep the last four Championship fixtures and left a huge impression at the club despite playing only 16/46 league games.

Baxter has gained significant experience for a keeper, who is still young for the position at 23 years old. Baxter has climbed the pyramid and gained substantial ‘work’ experience across a multitude of loans in an upwards trajectory, facilitating a skillset above the level he’s played at arguably every single loan.

Nathan Baxter’s Loan Spells

Club	Season	League	League Minutes Played
Solihull Moors	2016-2017	English National League	1,530
Woking	2017-2018	English National League	3,780
Yeovil Town	2018-2019	English League Two	3,070
Ross County	2019-2020	Scottish Premiership	1,170
Accrington Stanley	2020-2021	English League One	1,387
Hull City	2021-2022	English Championship	1,440

Despite featuring behind a relatively poor unit, Hull finished 19th in the Championship, Baxter shone. Seven clean sheets in 16 games is an over-arching demonstration of his quality. Baxter exhibits a commanding figure across his box and is a very strong shot-stopper, he had the best save rate % in the league.

Baxter has indicated he believes he can be Chelsea’s future number one. It might be a colossal statement but many inside the club are rumoured to be keen on Baxter’s talent and hope he can play serious minutes for the club he joined way back in 2006 as an 8 year old.

Whilst Edouard Mendy is the entrenched starter for the Blues’, Kepa Arrizabalaga’s tumultuous performances and staggering wage for a second-choice keeper make sense for him to be moved on in a sustainable squad-building viewpoint. In addition to this, Baxter is approaching the level capable of being backup for a team with perennial domestic and continental ambitions. However, there is a debate to be made about whether he requires another season on loan before he can become the rotational keeper that fills in during cup ties and the odd Premier League game.

Personally, I would attempt to move Kepa this summer although this will be a very difficult task due to his contract. I would be against loaning Kepa out but if we can secure a fee around £12 million or above for him, I would let him leave permanently and retain Baxter as our backup. If we can’t secure this fairly soon (set mid-July as target), then I would loan Baxter out again. Sensible landing spots appear to be a top Championship team who require a high-level keeper such as Middlesbrough, Norwich, West Brom, or even Bournemouth to split minutes with Mark Travers. Chelsea would be wise to tie Baxter down to a longer contract that expires after 2023. However, rumours of Chelsea signing Gabriel Slonina from Chicago could suggest they have other plans for the backup GK spot.

James Allcott did a great video detailing Baxter for the League of 72 channel, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRoA9SIBsyg

Jamie Cumming- Recently on loan at Gillingham and MK Dons-22 Years Old-Contract Expires 2023-Height 6’1″-Weight-79kg

Cumming’s had a promising season within 21-22 building upon a mightily impressive 20-21 season where he was on loan at Stevenage FC in League Two by having two half-season loans at two differing League One teams; Gillingham and then MK Dons. Between August and early January, Cumming’s featured for a poor Gillingham 22 times but only kept four clean sheets as was playing behind a porous defence that shipped goals and was eventually relegated in May. Despite this, Cumming was a standout in his time at Gillingham and Chelsea smartly recalled him to set up another loan where he would be playing in a team more suited to his style and ability. MK Dons were Cumming’s destination and he would go onto play all of the following 23 games, including play-offs, keeping ten clean sheets. Cumming is adept on the ball favouring a side that keeps control of possession and still is a good shot-stopper. Although he does need to improve on commanding his box and receiving the ball at times.

Cumming is a year behind Baxter in terms of loan pathway, in which Chelsea prefer to establish their young keepers with multiple loans throughout the EFL divisions. Therefore, a Championship loan is the next step. Likewise to Baxter, Cumming only has a year left on his deal but there are plenty of other keepers within the Chelsea set up a few years younger than Cumming thus making him expendable if Chelsea do not want to extend his contract. Personally, due to his age, the development of Baxter and the amount of keepers around the Chelsea set-up, I would look to sell Cumming to a top League One/bottom Championship team this summer before Chelsea lose him for nothing, a fee of around £500,000 with % sale add-on’s is achievable. However, I wouldn’t totally be against offering Cumming a one-year extension and loaning him out to a Championship club. From here the club can assess his future next season in relation to the GK back-up spot with more clarity.

LEFT-BACKS

Baba Rahman-Recently on loan at Reading-27 Years Old-Contract Expires 2024-Height-5’11” Weight-72kg

Another season-long loan for Rahman ensued this year however he remained in England in nearby Reading following a succession of injury marred European loans at Schalke, Stade Reims, Mallorca and PAOK. Unlike the previous four seasons where Rahman’s career stalled significantly due to injuries and poor loan choices, Rahman has enjoyed a good loan spell that has revived his career to some extent.

Featuring 29 times, all starts, Rahman helped Reading overcome a relegation scare and was a serviceable left-back for Championship standards alongside getting himself back to full fitness at a strong level. Rahman noticeably was more defensively adept than previous seasons indicating his reduction in physicality has resulted in a shift in his playing style.

Whilst Rahman enjoyed a good loan spell, he should not return to Chelsea. Injuries have reduced his agility and speed to a level below the Premier League. For Chelsea, there is zero need to keep him on the books so should be desperately attempting to remove his reported astronomical wages of £86,000 a week. However, this will be extremely difficult as the player might be reluctant to move and take a pay-cut elsewhere. The club should be looking at the likes of the Turkish league as an option if the transfer fee was minimal and the wage offerings lowered. Although, I don’t predict this to occur and expect history to repeat itself with Rahman joining another European club on loan with Chelsea paying the bulk of the wages.

Emerson-Recently on loan at Lyon-27 Years Old-Contract Expires 2024-Height-5’9″-Weight-79kg

After two seasons of being the back-up to Marcos Alonso and a further season in 2020-21 of being the third-choice LB, it made complete sense to loan Emerson out and a practical destination was found in Europa League side Lyon. Emerson was close to a recall in January following the long-term injury of Ben Chilwell which prompted Chelsea to ask Lyon if they could indeed cut the loan deal short, however the French club (within their rights) rejected the request.

Emerson played 29 Ligue 1 games alongside numerous Europa League games and looked assured when playing in his natural LB role, although was forced to play as a LM/LW at times where he looked significantly weaker due to unfamiliarity with the role’s positional and technical demands. Overall, it was a productive campaign in which he made the most league appearances of any season in his professional career.

Personally, I would be looking to move on one of Alonso or Emerson this summer as three senior LB’s who offer little positional flexibility is excessive. I have a preference to sell Alonso above Emerson despite the former filling in surprisingly well for Chilwell. Now seems a good time to say goodbye to Alonso with his bloated £100,000 a week wages (double that of Emerson’s wage) not representing great value for money on a back-up LB. Therefore, I would be inclined to keep Emerson for the upcoming season.

Ian Maatsen-Recently on loan at Coventry City-20 Years Old-Contract Expires 2024-Height-5’6″-Weight-57kg

Following a loan at League One Charlton Athletic in 2020-21, Maatsen jumped up a level and slotted in seamlessly at Championship side Coventry City as a LWB in their back five system. Playing as an aggressive wide wing-back, Maatsen is comfortable and progressive on the ball who links up well with teammates and can drive at the defence. Evidence to his talent is that he features in central midfield at times for Netherland’s youth squads. Defensively, he has improved but is susceptible due to his height and lack of physicality which is potentially troubling at the top level although we’ve seen Tariq Lamptey thrive since his departure from Chelsea despite having a similar frame to Maatsen. Perhaps another year to fill out slightly and to become savvier defensively is required as Maatsen does have the makings of a Premier League player.

Ideally, Maatsen would go on another loan abroad before potentially being a back-up to Chilwell, however rumours have begun swirling around that Feyenoord wish to purchase him as a replacement for Manchester United bound Tyrell Malacia. A move to one of the big Dutch teams in his native Netherlands’ might be too hard to ignore and if Chelsea can receive a fee upwards of £3-4 million it may be a worthwhile move. If Chelsea can provide a future LB spot for him then pursuing a loan move to Feyenoord or a top Bundesliga team would be a sensible option.

Juan Castillo-Recently on loan at Birmingham City and Charlton-22 Years Old-Contract Expires 2022-Height-5’10”-Weight-73kg

Once seen as a player with huge promise who demonstrated significant quality within Chelsea’s U18’s and PL2 teams, Castillo’s career has taken a rather brutal nosedive in recent seasons with numerous failed loans which only continued in 2021-22. Starting the season at Birmingham City, he only achieved a total of 82 minutes in the Championship with concerns regarding his fitness and weight. His move was cut and was sent on loan instead to League One Charlton where he managed only 98 senior minutes, again limited by fitness issues.

It is definitely the end of the road for Castillo at Chelsea and at 22 years old the last thing he needs is another loan move. Returning to the Netherland’s in a lower table Eredivisie club is advisable where he can regain fitness and substantial minutes in a more congenial environment. If Castillo can do this, he will be a threat down the left-hand side as offers LB/LWB/LW versatility with explosive physical traits.

Kenedy-Recently on loan at Flamengo-26 Years Old-Contract Expires 2023-Height-6’0″-Weight-77kg

Kenedy was recalled from Brazilian side Flamengo in January to provide cover at LWB and LW. Kenedy endured a moderate loan spell back in Brazil featuring 14 times in the league for one of Brazil’s premier sides. Kenedy ended up starting Chelsea’s last Premier League game of the season against Watford but that was frankly pity minutes from Thomas Tuchel, however besides this and two FA Cup cameos Tuchel declined to use him despite Chilwell’s injury and Alonso’s consistent fatigue.

Since his 2015 summer move from Fluminense, Kenedy has flattered to deceive at the Bridge despite some good loan spells at Newcastle United and Granada in particular. It goes without saying Kenedy is a decent player but is not up to Chelsea standard. A low-cost departure of around £2-3 million seems the likely way out with potential suitors likely to occur from Spain or Brazil. Removing his £25,000 a week wages would help create space for any new additions.

RIGHT-BACKS

Dujon Sterling-Recently on loan at Blackpool-22 Years Old-Contract Expires 2023-Height-5’11”-Weight-78kg

Dujon Sterling provided Championship side Blackpool with significant quality and versatility in a productive loan spell following a very serious illness that sidelined him for 18 months and could’ve put his career in jeopardy all-together. The loan move for the Seasiders proved the right antidote to get Sterling’s career back on track and showed off his potential value to Thomas Tuchel as played across both full-back positions as well as a RCB in a back three.

Sterling joined very late in the transfer window missing Blackpool’s first six league games but adapted quickly to feature in 24 out of the other 40 league games, although a late-season injury meant he missed 8 games. Having impressed for Coventry City in League One in 2018-19 before injuries and illness blighted the bulk of the next two seasons, Sterling was a credible Championship RB this campaign. Physically strong, dependable in duels and tidy in possession, Sterling has a lot of likeable characteristics.

Tuchel needs positional cover behind Reece James. César Azpilicueta is nearing 33 and reportedly had a gentleman’s agreement to leave on a free this season only for a one year extension to be automatically triggered. Sterling’s versatility and home-grown status is hard to ignore alongside his genuine quality. Personally, I would keep Azpi as Chelsea desperately need his experience but play him more as RCB than a RWB. This would create opportunities for Sterling to be James’ regular back-up alongside being an emergency RCB. Therefore, I would keep Sterling, give him Carabao Cup minutes/some league minutes and re-assess in January.

Henry Lawrence-Recently on loan at AFC Wimbledon-20 Years Old-Contract Expires-2023-Height-5’7″-Weight-62kg

Lawrence’s first senior loan was a move to League One’s AFC Wimbledon however an injury between January and March halted his momentum and subsequently made him miss 15 crucial league games. AFC Wimbledon ended the season in the relegation places and there was a sense that if Lawrence amongst others was fit throughout, the club would’ve stayed up. Lawrence featured across RB/LB/RM in his 24 league games and arguably struggled to shine in one set position with ex-manager Mark Robinson unsure on where to play the youngster.

A step up to the Championship is likely a step too far for 22-23 as he needs consistent game time in one position despite being one of AFC Wimbledon’s better performers this season. Personally, with Lawrence approaching 21 years old with a year left on his contract in a position with numerous home-grown academy options I would be keen to sell him to a League One club rather than presumably letting him go on a free next season. Unfortunately, the nature of elite club’s academies causes a yearly bottleneck of talent and Lawrence is a product of this in which he is a good player but not superior to others in the academy.

CENTRE-BACKS

Levi Colwill-Recently on loan at Huddersfield Town-19 Years Old-Contract Expires-2025-Height-6’2″-Weight-75kg

Now where do we even start with Levi Colwill because I could wax lyrical about the man for quite a while. After an impressive PL2 season in 2020-21, many were surprised that Colwill’s first senior loan was to a good Championship side in Huddersfield, however it undoubtedly should be his only loan. Despite playing the bulk of the season at just the tender age of 18, Colwill was one of the most impressive centre-backs in the league yet alone for a loanee venturing into his first senior season. Credit to Chelsea as they did a very good job at finding Colwill a team which favours a back three like Tuchel and placed him early in the summer.

Colwill is the ultimate multi-dimensional defender who is only going to improve and iron out his weaknesses in the future. His passing is crisp and progressive even when under pressure. He receives the ball with ease and isn’t phased when hurried, Colwill actively looks to receive the ball and once he does he is excellent at breaking the lines off his favoured left-foot. Physically Colwill is tall, muscular and mobile, the ideal trio of characteristics for any CB. His orientation of his frame and mobility lead to remarkable levels of positioning for a 19 year old too.

Personally, Colwill has to remain at Cobham for 2022-23 as a squad player for Chelsea. There are sizeable minutes available following the double departure of Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen. Subsequently Colwill along with a new marquee signing at CB should gain the majority of these minutes alongside extra game time for Trevoh Chalobah. Now it will be very hard to emulate Rüdiger as he has been the bonafide star of the Tuchel era but eventually Colwill can be as good as if not better than the German International (yes I acknowledge that is a big statement).

Question marks remain over the experience Colwill has; Chalobah for instance went on three separate loans before he was ready for any action, Colwill has only had the one. However, Colwill similarly to Reece James is ready for the first-team after one senior season in the Championship, let the man play and you won’t regret it. A centre-back trio of Colwill-Thiago Silva-New Marquee RCB (with Chalobah, Azpi, Ampadu and James providing depth) should be given a fair go at the start of this season. Chelsea must learn from their past mistakes in the new Todd Boehly era; letting not one but both Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guéhi go have been glaring errors and Chelsea cannot let it occur again with Colwill. He’s a future England star.

Matt Miazga-Recently on loan at Alavés- 26 Years Old-Contract Expires 2023-Height-6’4″-Weight-84kg

Over six years have passed since Matt Miazga made a £4 million move to Chelsea from New York Red Bulls and he still has only two solitary appearances to show for it which were both back in the 2015-16 league season. Once a young USA international with great potential, his career year by year has been drying up at the Bridge and he desperately requires a permanent move away. Surprisingly he is still a Chelsea contracted player but is the embodiment of the old regime failing to ship players on

Miazga’s most recent loan was at La Liga side Alavés who finished rock-bottom. Playing over 800 minutes across 11 league games he was little more than a rotation option after featuring in the seven out of the first nine games but poor form meant he only played in four games after the 23rd October. With the World Cup pending, Miazga ought to be pushing for a place in USA’s squad. Striving for a move that will gift consistent minutes has got to be the priority for the player even if it means taking a wage reduction. Returning home to an MLS team or to the Netherlands where he enjoyed a loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem should be reliable destinations.

DEFENSIVE-MIDFIELDERS

Ethan Ampadu-Recently on loan at Venezia-21 Years Old-Contract Expires 2024-Height-6’0″-Weight-78kg

A third successive loan spell for Ampadu was in order for the Welshman following spells at RB Leipzig (a loan way too early in his development) and Sheffield United. This time he was comfortably more settled and played the best club football of his career to date in a resurgent year in Italy. Whilst he is listed as a DM here, Ampadu does remain what American Sports fans would call a ‘Tweener’ between CB and DM, despite featuring mainly as a DM for Venezia in 2021-22 he plays as a CB in a back three for Wales.

Although, Venezia were eventually relegated from Serie A, 29 league games including 26 starts was exactly the reason Ampadu moved abroad on loan. Ampadu demonstrated a composed poise with the ball and took on large responsibility in build-up with a good frequency of progressive passes in a Venezia system that favoured direct play. Throughout the season Ampadu impressed with his range of passing although his accuracy was lower than one would hope, but that was born out of the instructions he was tasked with when playing direct football. Defensively, Ampadu was a highly active disruptor due to his high intelligence and strong anticipation of the game.

Moving into the future, Ampadu’s best position lies as a mobile CB in a back three system as a RCB and Chelsea are desperate for CB bodies currently. Ampadu is displaying great maturity and quality in his play, alongside an increasing understanding of the game and excellent ball technique. Chelsea should utilise this and keep him at the Bridge as a rotation option. Playing as a backup to a much-needed marquee RCB signing (likely Jules Koundé) as well as being able to offer depth to Thiago Silva in the middle CB position and in the two midfield spots (or even as a DM in a midfield trio) should be ideal for Ampadu.

Tiemoué Bakayoko-Recently on loan at AC Milan-27 Years Old-Contract Expires 2024-Height-6’2″-Weight-75kg

Now Bakayoko is an interesting case because Milan signed him on a two-year loan deal with an option to buy in August 2021 but reports suggest Milan want to cut that short as he is certainly an expendable player despite playing a minor part in Milan’s victorious scudetto. Bakayoko only started in five Serie A games alongside nine substitute appearances but will likely look back on it as a successful season due to coming away with a league winner’s medal.

Since his disaster debut season, Chelsea have tried to shift Bakayoko on unsuccessfully resulting in loan after loan; Milan in 2018-19, Monaco in 2019-20, Napoli in 2020-21 and again Milan in 2021-22. Particularly in his first spell at Milan and at Napoli, Bakayoko did show consistent moments of his ability to a high standard but there are still concerns about his technique. For the benefit of Milan, Chelsea and Bakayoko the optimum situation would be to terminate his existing loan deal and look to find him a Europa League/Europa Conference League side in either France or Italy. However, his reported £110,000 a week wages are a huge stumbling block for any suitor. Chelsea should be confident of receiving above £5 million if they can find a buyer but it is hardly any recompense for the £40 million the club spent on him. Perhaps Nice, Marseille or Fiorentina could have the funds for him.

CENTRE-MIDFIELDERS

Billy Gilmour-Recently on loan at Norwich City-21 Years Old-Contract Expires 2024-Height-5’5″-Weight-66kg

Gilmour’s first foray away from Chelsea in senior football was an indifferent loan at yo-yo club Norwich. Gilmour’s skillset mainly based on a strong ability with the ball was always going to be tested in a side who only had 43.9% ball possession (5th lowest in the Premier League). His defensive frailties notably due to his size were frankly exposed but this was more emphasised due to the system he was playing in. Despite this, Gilmour was defensively more active than previous seasons with high pressure and clearance counts revealing some improvement. Featuring 24 times, 21 starts, Gilmour was inconsistent but at 20 years old (he only turned 21 after the season ended) it is to be expected, particularly in a season under two different managers and surrounded by under-performing personnel. However this loan, likewise to Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s at Fulham was to simply gain meaningful Premier League minutes regardless of the loan club’s fortunes. Gilmour undoubtedly returns to the Bridge with greater experience and appreciation of his strengths and weaknesses which still have plenty of time to be worked upon.

Gilmour is a favourite of Tuchel and a new contract extension signals he is in the manager’s plans. Gilmour should return and add much-needed depth to the midfield following Saúl Ñíguez’s departure. Admittedly, I want to sell on Jorginho who still divides the fanbase as he is in the final year of his contract and I don’t think he offers a dramatic upgrade on Gilmour, besides a greater long passing range, especially when considering the club could receive a minimum fee of £25 million for him. Even if Jorginho is still at the club, I wish for Gilmour to take some of his minutes.

Conor Gallagher-Recently on loan at Crystal Palace-22 Years Old-Contract Expires 2025-Height-6’0″-Weight-76kg

After breaking out on loan at Charlton in the Championship between August 2019 and January 2020,Gallagher’s rise since has been simply astounding despite being well documented. A regular at Chelsea youth teams particularly showing great promise for the Under 18’s in the 2017/2018 campaign with seven league goals, Gallagher was held in good regard but arguably not one that was expected to flourish on the biggest of stages at senior level. However, Gallagher is certainly shining bright now in midfield following an emphatic loan spell this season at Crystal Palace in which he won their player of the year award alongside breaking into the England side.

Having previously impressed at Charlton, Swansea and West Brom, his development under the guidance of Patrick Vieira as a box-to-box midfielder has been outstanding and redefined assumptions of Gallagher. At Charlton and Swansea, he was utilised as an attacking midfielder, at West-Brom as a screening deep-lying midfielder and under Vieira he played as a true box-to-box ‘8’ showing his adaptability across the midfield.

In possession, Gallagher is smart with his decision-making, a strong dribbler and a creator who facilitates shot-creating actions at will. In defence, you will not find a more intense presser from midfield, Gallagher is fuelled by Duracell batteries. Savvy in tackles and roaming about to intercept the ball, Gallagher disrupts the opposition’s game frequently. Like a true number 8, Gallagher also has terrific end product evidenced by 8 goals and 3 assists in his 34 league games. A little untidy on the ball and complacent at times, Gallagher does have some room for improvement but there is a lot to like.

Out of all of the returning loanee’s, Gallagher is arguably the most likely to stay and force his way into the first team regularly in 2022-23. It is clear he has the quality to play at a high level in the Premier League. He is capable to play within a midfield two or three, but more suited as a RCM in a three. Sharing minutes with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Billy Gilmour when

Mateo Kovačić and N’Golo Kanté require rotation should afford Gallagher with enough minutes to settle himself in the side.

ATTACKING-MIDFIELDERS

Tino Anjorin-Recently on loan at Spartak Moscow and Huddersfield Town-20 Years Old-Contract Expires 2025-Height-6’1″-Weight-73kg

Anjorin is the player who had the most frustrating loan season and similarly to a Chelsea player he is often compared to in Ruben Loftus-Cheek; experienced an unsettling injury that hindered his season although not as hampering as Ruben’s ill-fated achilles tear back in 2019. Thomas Tuchel’s connections led to Anjorin joining Spartak Moscow. On the surface an odd move, however the boss’ relationship with then Sporting Director Ralf Rangnick (ring a bell anyone) paved a way for Anjorin to receive a big amount of minutes alongside Europa League minutes in an unfamiliar league. It was supposed to be a big test for the budding star Anjorin. However, a broken foot in late October meant he had to come back to London for his recovery and Spartak decided to cut the loan there and then after less than 300 minutes. A loan move to Huddersfield followed in January but Anjorin was not ready to feature for the first few weeks and the team were pushing for promotion so it was hard to break into the XI, a poor move to be frank if Chelsea were serious about giving Anjorin minutes.

Due to the write off that was 2021-22 for Anjorin, a loan move is required in 2022-23 for the talented attacking midfielder. At only 20 years old there is time for Anjorin to go and out develop. Arguably, a Championship loan to clubs like Sheffield United (replacing Morgan Gibbs-White), close-to-home QPR or attacking side Swansea would all be sensible options.

STRIKERS

Armando Broja-Recently on loan at Southampton-20 Years Old-Contract Expires 2026-Height-6’3″-Weight-75kg

Another summer arrives with Chelsea’s striker position being in a predicament. The less said on Lukaku the better in what will possibly go down as the worst bit of business any football club has ever conducted when also considering the subsequent departure of Tammy Abraham too who has unsurprisingly killed it at Roma. Kai Havertz and Timo Werner are not pro-typical strikers but both can do a job, especially the case of Havertz who has looked at his best as Tuchel’s number ‘9’. However, Chelsea in all honesty do require another option up front even if attacking signings are made e.g. Raheem Sterling and Raphinha.

Armando Broja is very much is a classical number 9 and Chelsea have a decision on their hands this season following a good loan spell at Southampton for the Albanian after a previously successful time at Vitesse Arnhem. Across 32 league games Broja proved he can be an effective Premier League striker as shown by six league goals and a further three in cup games. His ideal 6’3″ well-built frame comes in very handy when receiving the ball with his back to goal, in aerial duels and is technical enough to carry the ball well too. Despite, not scoring a bucket load of goals, Broja possesses a wide repertoire of shooting techniques and is quite a decisive finisher in the box often getting little backlift on shots.

However, despite the above Broja needs to make improvements in possession as makes poor decisions fairly often and needs to adapt to a team who control possession more frequently as a lot of his goals come from transition rather than longer attacks. Due to this I would be more inclined to send Broja out on another loan before integrating him into the first team, albeit I would understand the reasons to keep him within our first team for 2022-23.

There is interest from Newcastle, West Ham and Southampton in relation to permanent moves, but Chelsea do not need to rush into selling Broja; he’s only 20, under contract for four more years and there is no senior striker blocking his pathway. Personally, a loan move abroad would suffice. A club like Sassuolo (54.8% possession in Serie A last year) to potentially replace the possible outgoing Gianluca Scamacca would be an incredible landing spot. Other sensible moves include Torino as Andrea Belotti’s contract has expired.

Michy Batshuayi-Recently on loan at Besiktas-28 Years Old-Contract Expires 2023-Height-6’1″-Weight-78kg

In what was a disappointing season for Besiktas as they finished 6th, Michy Batshuayi was the standout with 14 goals and 5 assists in 34 league games. Batshuayi has got goals at most places he has been at especially at international level so it was no surprise to see him star at in a non-Top 5 League.

Unfortunately, his time at Chelsea has been and gone at nearly 29 years old regardless of a good record of 25 goals in 77 games, five loans in six years speak volumes as to how he is viewed. The best option is undeniably for him to seek a permanent move for a very modest fee of around £5 million. Surely there will be lots of suitors for a striker with double-digit seasons in France, Belgium and Turkey. At best he is a difference maker for a mid-table side with continental ambitions and at worse an experienced rotation option.

SUMMARY

100% keep for first team

Emerson-LB

Dujon Sterling-RB

Levi Colwill-CB

Ethan Ampadu-DM/CB

Billy Gilmour-CM

Conor Gallagher-CM

Dependant on other sales, if sales/loans occur keep for first team, if not loan out

Nathan Baxter-GK

Armando Broja-ST

Loan Out

Ian Maatsen-LB

Tino Anjorin-AM

Preferably Sell if not then Loan

Jamie Cumming-GK

Henry Lawrence-RB

Tiemoué Bakayoko-DM

Sell

Baba Rahman-LB

Kenedy-LB

Matt Miazga-CB

Michy Batshuayi-ST

Release

Juan Castillo-LB

Thank you for reading,

George

All Statistics courtesy of WyScout.com unless stated. All Statistics up to date as of 02.07.2022.

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