Talented youth is an exceptionally valuable commodity within the dynamic sphere of football. Youth is an investment that football clubs make and the largest of football clubs invest great capital into such 'projects' in the pursuit of colossal rewards in the form of a diamond in the rough; the one talented kid that will bring fortune to them. The worth of these youngsters are measured in comparison to the legends of the beautiful game. Consider the superlatives that we spectators lavish upon them; how many times have we referred to an adroit footballer as 'The Next Messi' or the 'Second Coming of Pele'? It is a very high-risk investment though, with realistically low chances of profit. Many just do not have the aptitude to turn their raw potential into success. Chelsea Football Club have experienced this conundrum for many years now, up until recently. We have invested much in the infrastructure of academy-level football but until recently, there have been very few names that could have overtaken Chelsea skipper John Terry as the most recent successful graduate of the Chelsea FC academy. I think it is difficult to argue that for seasons upon seasons, we have lagged behind our rivals in terms of youth development. We still have had very successful seasons yes, but the costs of developing or buying youngsters is not comparable to the sums pushed out for established names. Spending sprees keep football fans happier than it would a woman but Chelsea have experienced many years of financial losses under the Abramovich reign as a result. That is why the West London club have embraced a new sense of football philosophy and revolutionise ourselves into a youthful team. It is no mere coincidence that our current crop of reserve footballers are the most talented yet whilst our starting line-up is lowering in average age.
The question still remains as, for certain individuals, it is crunch time on what their next step should be. The club has a huge number of youngsters on loan this season but have to consider which of them possess the ability to break into the first-team and which of the loanees should move on next season.
Kenneth Omeruo (On Loan at ADO Den Haag)
Nigerian defender Omeruo linked up with Chelsea in January 2012 and currently plies his trade with Dutch team ADO Den Haag. Ignoring one ambiguous moment where he scored a goal, own goal and got a red card in the same match, the 19 year old is a very promising defender with many of the right abilities to strive in the Premier League as an imposing centre-back. In my opinion, he is in a similar position with Matija Nastajic of Manchester City in that he is already a great defender for his age and has the potential to be world-class. He is a strong and physical centre-back with pace that can read the game of attackers two steps before they've even made the move. His tackling is also superb and crucially, Omeruo is versatile enough to play on the right side of the back-four.
If you think I'm just laying on superlatives for a Chelsea youth then watch his performance in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which Nigeria won by the way. Omeruo was a critical part of Nigeria's great performances in the tournament; he even silenced Chelsea legend Didier Drogba when Nigeria beat Ivory Coast. It is not questionable to suggest that Omeruo is one for the future but I think he should be given a chance next season. With the geezer David Luiz thriving at a position slightly higher up the pitch, Chelsea could buy an established new centre-back if they wish to. Or Jose, once he most likely re-joins his home, could give the young centre-back the same chance he gave Raphael Varane at Madrid.
The future looks bright indeed, with the prospect of Omeruo/Chalobah or Omeruo/Kalas as the future starting central defenders of Chelsea.
VERDICT: Give him a chance as a backup with a few starts to test the water.
Nigerian defender Omeruo linked up with Chelsea in January 2012 and currently plies his trade with Dutch team ADO Den Haag. Ignoring one ambiguous moment where he scored a goal, own goal and got a red card in the same match, the 19 year old is a very promising defender with many of the right abilities to strive in the Premier League as an imposing centre-back. In my opinion, he is in a similar position with Matija Nastajic of Manchester City in that he is already a great defender for his age and has the potential to be world-class. He is a strong and physical centre-back with pace that can read the game of attackers two steps before they've even made the move. His tackling is also superb and crucially, Omeruo is versatile enough to play on the right side of the back-four.
If you think I'm just laying on superlatives for a Chelsea youth then watch his performance in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which Nigeria won by the way. Omeruo was a critical part of Nigeria's great performances in the tournament; he even silenced Chelsea legend Didier Drogba when Nigeria beat Ivory Coast. It is not questionable to suggest that Omeruo is one for the future but I think he should be given a chance next season. With the geezer David Luiz thriving at a position slightly higher up the pitch, Chelsea could buy an established new centre-back if they wish to. Or Jose, once he most likely re-joins his home, could give the young centre-back the same chance he gave Raphael Varane at Madrid.
The future looks bright indeed, with the prospect of Omeruo/Chalobah or Omeruo/Kalas as the future starting central defenders of Chelsea.
VERDICT: Give him a chance as a backup with a few starts to test the water.
Jeffrey Bruma (On Loan At Hamburger SV)
After the departure of Frank Arnesen to Hamburger SV, Bruma joined a handful of his teammates (albeit, being the only temporary transfer) as the sporting director was apparently obsessed with creating a Chelsea FC B team. With the possible exception of Rajkovic, I did not lose much sleep over the reserve players we let go. Why? They simply were never going to be good enough for a top Premier League side and I was right. Sala and Rajkovic have not achieved anything of note for Hamburg whilst Gokhan Tore was good but only lasted a season. I am also sorry to note that Englishmen Michael Mancienne is now a really bad defender out of his depth in the Bundesliga. So much for representing the English abroad, eh?
Bruma was the one player I was confident would thrive but he has simply proved the opposite. I glanced in and out of his two seasons at HSV and every single time, the form he showed with the reserves seems more and more of a forgotten memory. I touted the Dutchman for a good future based on his performances in the reserves but senior football is an entirely different ballgame (Hahaha). Bruma has the physical strength required to be a defender but lacks many of the mental attributes you need to read the game. He is slow to react and gets caught out by strikers far too easily. The 9-2 loss to Bayern Munich is a famous but not the only example of his shortcomings. He might have scored but as a centre-back, a goal would be a slim consolation if you concede a shedload of them conversely.
VERDICT: Sell him. If Bruma is not good enough for a standard mid-table Hamburg team, he will not cope with a trophy-winning side.
Kevin De Bruyne (On Loan at Werder Bremen)
Here is a pub quiz snippet of information for you, De Bruyne could have been playing for the Three Lions due to the birthplace of his mother but he chose to represent his home country. Which was not a surprising decision. KDB is an attacking midfielder that can operate on the wings too and his current ability has made him a standout player in a struggling Werder Bremen side. It's no wonder that many top clubs are waiting for the chance to nab KDB, he has excelled for Bremen. The German team would be in a much worse position without him, his considerable number of goals and assists have put them where they are. There is plenty to suggest that De Bruyne should definitely be challenging for a first-team role in the 2013/14 season. A maestro with several touches of class about him, KDB creates a lot of chances with his precision passing. The Belgian midfielder is an accurate passer that will never fail to feed the front-man with chances and crucially, can dictate the pace of the game. Given that Chelsea are striving towards an aesthetically pleasing but equally effective style of play, I would gladly argue that KDB would be a brilliant fit next season.
The worrying problem, however, is that we could possibly be selling a superb midfielder with international experience without even giving him a debut. There have been long-standing rumours that KDB could be turfed out to make way for Andre Schurrle, either indirectly or through a makeweight deal. It is not entirely clear whether a deal has already been struck but I don't think Schurrle would be a good move. Don't get me wrong, I think Schurrle is a good player and has potential for bigger things than Bayer Leverkusen but Chelsea do not need him. For the starting striker role, it would be a bad move to have Schurrle and risk losing the immensely gifted Lukaku. Even compared to the rumoured striker targets, Falcao and Lewandoski far exceed Schurrle. As for his ability to play as an attacking midfielder, it would be surplus to requirements. Chelsea are not exactly lacking in that department and would a reported £22 million be good business for a back-up? He might relieve some pressure off Hazard and be a remarkable improvement over Marko Marin but would KDB not do that job more effectively? Schurrle has the pace to be a threat on the counter-attack but his finishing isn't exemplary Our focus should be on the defensive side of midfield and if Schurrle was to be purchased, it would be at the expense of a player that plays in a similar position but has far greater current and potential ability.
VERDICT: For god sake, please keep him and use him as back-up to challenge the trio of Hazard, Mata and Oscar. We will regret it for decades if we lose him.
After the departure of Frank Arnesen to Hamburger SV, Bruma joined a handful of his teammates (albeit, being the only temporary transfer) as the sporting director was apparently obsessed with creating a Chelsea FC B team. With the possible exception of Rajkovic, I did not lose much sleep over the reserve players we let go. Why? They simply were never going to be good enough for a top Premier League side and I was right. Sala and Rajkovic have not achieved anything of note for Hamburg whilst Gokhan Tore was good but only lasted a season. I am also sorry to note that Englishmen Michael Mancienne is now a really bad defender out of his depth in the Bundesliga. So much for representing the English abroad, eh?
Bruma was the one player I was confident would thrive but he has simply proved the opposite. I glanced in and out of his two seasons at HSV and every single time, the form he showed with the reserves seems more and more of a forgotten memory. I touted the Dutchman for a good future based on his performances in the reserves but senior football is an entirely different ballgame (Hahaha). Bruma has the physical strength required to be a defender but lacks many of the mental attributes you need to read the game. He is slow to react and gets caught out by strikers far too easily. The 9-2 loss to Bayern Munich is a famous but not the only example of his shortcomings. He might have scored but as a centre-back, a goal would be a slim consolation if you concede a shedload of them conversely.
VERDICT: Sell him. If Bruma is not good enough for a standard mid-table Hamburg team, he will not cope with a trophy-winning side.
Kevin De Bruyne (On Loan at Werder Bremen)
Here is a pub quiz snippet of information for you, De Bruyne could have been playing for the Three Lions due to the birthplace of his mother but he chose to represent his home country. Which was not a surprising decision. KDB is an attacking midfielder that can operate on the wings too and his current ability has made him a standout player in a struggling Werder Bremen side. It's no wonder that many top clubs are waiting for the chance to nab KDB, he has excelled for Bremen. The German team would be in a much worse position without him, his considerable number of goals and assists have put them where they are. There is plenty to suggest that De Bruyne should definitely be challenging for a first-team role in the 2013/14 season. A maestro with several touches of class about him, KDB creates a lot of chances with his precision passing. The Belgian midfielder is an accurate passer that will never fail to feed the front-man with chances and crucially, can dictate the pace of the game. Given that Chelsea are striving towards an aesthetically pleasing but equally effective style of play, I would gladly argue that KDB would be a brilliant fit next season.
The worrying problem, however, is that we could possibly be selling a superb midfielder with international experience without even giving him a debut. There have been long-standing rumours that KDB could be turfed out to make way for Andre Schurrle, either indirectly or through a makeweight deal. It is not entirely clear whether a deal has already been struck but I don't think Schurrle would be a good move. Don't get me wrong, I think Schurrle is a good player and has potential for bigger things than Bayer Leverkusen but Chelsea do not need him. For the starting striker role, it would be a bad move to have Schurrle and risk losing the immensely gifted Lukaku. Even compared to the rumoured striker targets, Falcao and Lewandoski far exceed Schurrle. As for his ability to play as an attacking midfielder, it would be surplus to requirements. Chelsea are not exactly lacking in that department and would a reported £22 million be good business for a back-up? He might relieve some pressure off Hazard and be a remarkable improvement over Marko Marin but would KDB not do that job more effectively? Schurrle has the pace to be a threat on the counter-attack but his finishing isn't exemplary Our focus should be on the defensive side of midfield and if Schurrle was to be purchased, it would be at the expense of a player that plays in a similar position but has far greater current and potential ability.
VERDICT: For god sake, please keep him and use him as back-up to challenge the trio of Hazard, Mata and Oscar. We will regret it for decades if we lose him.
Gael Kakuta (On Loan at Vitesse)
This French winger was once at the centre of considerable controversy, involving the legality of his transfer to Chelsea from current Ligue 2 side RC Lens. Chelsea were accused to have been involved in the alleged breach of contract for Gael Kakuta and we could have faced the punishment of a two transfer window ban had the invalidity of Kakuta's prior contract with the French club not been proven. With all this fuss, surely then Kakuta had to be worth the hype? It certainly seemed to be case, as the player was in encouraging form in the reserves. On the ball, he is a fantastic dribbler with flair and style. Kakuta seems to be a type of winger that likes to cut inside and shoot and he really stood out in the reserves. The skills were there and Kakuta's potential was meant to flourish from raw promise into refined excellence. But fast forward to the present day and it seems as though he won't make the grade. It is a mystery but his failed loan spells with Fulham and Bolton have been followed by decent ones with Dijon and Vitesse.
His ability is unquestionable but unfortunately, I just don't think he can make it big at Chelsea. At 21 years old, Kakuta needs regular football and a decision has to be made. Even the player himself understands his situation and is seemingly pursuing a pursuing transfer move; Kakuta certainly made it clear when he spoke of his loss of love for the Blues. It would probably be best for both parties to let Kakuta go next season and perhaps a move to Ligue 1 could be on the cards?
VERDICT: Unfortunately, Kakuta's stagnating progress means that it would be best if he had a fresh start elsewhere.
This French winger was once at the centre of considerable controversy, involving the legality of his transfer to Chelsea from current Ligue 2 side RC Lens. Chelsea were accused to have been involved in the alleged breach of contract for Gael Kakuta and we could have faced the punishment of a two transfer window ban had the invalidity of Kakuta's prior contract with the French club not been proven. With all this fuss, surely then Kakuta had to be worth the hype? It certainly seemed to be case, as the player was in encouraging form in the reserves. On the ball, he is a fantastic dribbler with flair and style. Kakuta seems to be a type of winger that likes to cut inside and shoot and he really stood out in the reserves. The skills were there and Kakuta's potential was meant to flourish from raw promise into refined excellence. But fast forward to the present day and it seems as though he won't make the grade. It is a mystery but his failed loan spells with Fulham and Bolton have been followed by decent ones with Dijon and Vitesse.
His ability is unquestionable but unfortunately, I just don't think he can make it big at Chelsea. At 21 years old, Kakuta needs regular football and a decision has to be made. Even the player himself understands his situation and is seemingly pursuing a pursuing transfer move; Kakuta certainly made it clear when he spoke of his loss of love for the Blues. It would probably be best for both parties to let Kakuta go next season and perhaps a move to Ligue 1 could be on the cards?
VERDICT: Unfortunately, Kakuta's stagnating progress means that it would be best if he had a fresh start elsewhere.
