As per contractual obligations, we have to refer to Kenedy as either a wonderkid or a sensation. He is Brazilian; It is known. Though, it must be said, other than having to play defense as a left back for a few plays against Crystal Palace, he's done nothing but impress and excite with his brand of direct running combined with tricks, flicks, and shows of strength.
(By the way, this highlight that's making the Twitter rounds today, as lovely as it may be, is from last year.)
Kenedy again with the skill. #Tekkers #CFC pic.twitter.com/8Z4mFbP3dQ
— Feroze Ali (@feroze17) September 8, 2015
The 19-year-old spent the international break with the Brazil U23 squad who are starting preparations for next summer's Olympic games -- they lost to France earlier today in a friendly; Kenedy (#7) started on the right wing and made a couple highlight-worthy contributions.
He also spoke to Globo about his season so far at Chelsea.
"(When [Mourinho] called me) in my mind he was just playing. Being in a big club like Chelsea is a childhood dream, playing with great players like Ramires, Oscar, Diego Costa, Willian... They received me very well."
"I did my part, which was working hard in the pre-season. I showed how good I was. I think it all comes from you. If you want something, you have to go after it. That's it. When I got the opportunity, I took advantage and got in the squad."
Now Kenedy is looking to keep his head down, work hard, and leverage all that into a spot on next summer's Olympic squad.
"Brazilian players have a lot of quality. You have to work. It is about working and waiting for the opportunity. I have a year to work [before the 2016 Summer Olympics]. I have a lot to learn in Europe: tactical play, marking, speed. I think you can evolve more and keep learning day-to-day."
"Mourinho is the best coach in the world. I have a lot to learn from him. I am very happy to know that he liked me. It helps me day-to-day and helps me in training every day that he supports me."
With Chelsea's troubling start, Mourinho may be more willing than normal to shake things up and turn to the likes of Kenedy to try to spark the team back into life. Could the 19-year-old be in line for a surprise start, even, at Everton? Probably not... but stranger things have happened (especially if Oscar's deemed not fit enough)...