The Premier League is widely regarded as the most competitive and exciting football league in Europe and has been graced by the world’s finest. From Thierry Henry to Cristiano Ronaldo, several world-class talents have captivated audiences worldwide with their mesmeric skill and flamboyance. Right from its inception in 1992, there has been an ever rising standard in quality of players and popularity and this can be exemplified by the total amount spent by English clubs in the recently concluded summer transfer window. Over £1 billion was splashed on players and 13 clubs broke their record transfer fees’ to bolster their respective squads for the season ahead.
Chelsea have been as active as their counterparts in that regard and have spent over £100 million in the summer on 5 players, namely N’Golo Kante, Michy Batshuayi, Eduardo, Marcos Alonso and for a second spell in West London, David Luiz. In doing so, though, they have loaned out 38 players so as to maintain a healthy squad balance and allow the outgoing talents to gain valuable experience.
This policy has been subjected to intense scrutiny in the past, given the manner in which many players have been treated. Some of them have expressed their dissatisfaction at being sent away from the club and have pushed for permanent moves elsewhere as well. Yet it appears Chelsea are unwilling to relinquish this and will look to strengthen their academy starlets even further by fostering loans spells at clubs across the continent, Vitesse Arnhem being one of the most popular destinations for loanees to show the masses what they are capable of.
With a sizeable chunk of players in pastures new for the next twelve months, here are three talents that may find a place in the first team next season:
1. Nathan Ake:
The Dutch youngster spent the entirety of last season on loan at then newly-promoted Watford. Having made 24 appearances for the Hornets in that duration, Ake was praised by then Watford boss, Quique Sanchez Flores for his versatility and commitment. Having been deployed at left-back, centre-back and a holding midfield position before, Ake has been widely regarded as an exceptional talent and might find his way into Chelsea’s first team next season with a good spell in the south coast with Bournemouth. Club boss Eddie Howe was delighted to welcome him to the club and with competition for places increasing by the day, it appears Ake will have a challenging year ahead.
2. Kenedy:
Following the premature departure of Jose Mourinho in December last season, Guus Hiddink was appointed to steer Chelsea to a respectable position in the Premier League. The arrival of the Dutch manager sparked the beginning of Brazilian youngster Kenedy’s short spell in the first team. Often used as a makeshift left-back, Kenedy was acknowledged for his blistering pace and dribbling skills and often looked menacing on his flank. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win over Norwich City and backed that up with a few praiseworthy performances. The winger cum full-back has been sent to Watford on loan for the season and will hope to impress Walter Mazzari during his stay. He appears to be a very bright prospect for the club and the supporters would concur.
3. Patrick Bamford:
Having been in Chelsea’s books since 2012, Bamford is one of those players that has spent the entirety of his career at different clubs on loan from his parent club. Two impressive spells with MK Dons and Middlesbrough sandwiched a brief stay at Derby County although subsequent loan moves to Crystal Palace and Norwich City proved anything but productive for the Englishman. The 22-year-old is still viewed as a player for the future and will aim to improve his stock with Burnley this season. The Clarets face an uphill battle to retain their top-flight status, given the increased level of competition in the league and this might prove to be an ideal platform for Bamford to deliver.