Chelsea went shopping in January clutching a wad of cash, but still came out of the transfer market (“No sales, just high prices”) empty-handed. It was a disappointing outcome for all involved, including for young Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, who was hoping to absorb some new tips and tricks from whatever veteran striker was going to arrive.
In fact, he was really hoping for a certain Edinson Cavani — not that Cavani was really thinking about anything other than Atlético Madrid, as his agent recently revealed. But Cavani sure would’ve been a fun addition to his Borg-like collective.
“The players we were talking about coming in, like Cavani and other top-class strikers, have been around the game for many years. It would have been nice if he had come. He would have been someone I can learn off and steal his ideas to add to my own.
“It didn’t happen though and, for me, it gives me that extra push and desire to claim my position and be the best I can.”
Good artists copy; great artists steal, as the saying goes, right?
Instead, Tammy’s going to have to make do with continuing to pick up tips from “Big Bro” Olivier Giroud, if he has any left to give. Giroud is probably the most disappointed of all at Chelsea’s lack of business last month, but we all know he’s the ultimate professional and will continue to mentor and not cut down the younglings with his lightsaber. Don’t turn to the dark side, Edi!
“He is like a big brother to me. His attitude to me has been great. In training, we are always doing finishing and we have a competition after training as well. It is nice to have that because I have grown up watching him because he is a fantastic striker.
”He has been encouraging many of the young lads. These things happen in football, sometimes you are at the top and sometimes you are not. It is about staying professional and as focused as you can to keep trying.”
Abraham may be the king of the castle right now, but nothing’s ever given for too long and things can change rather quickly, especially in football. He will have to keep working hard and, most importantly, keep scoring goals to keep himself ahead of the backups currently at the club, or those who might one day arrive.
“I think playing for a club like Chelsea, there is always going to be pressure. For me, it is about being in the right place at the right time and believing in myself and my abilities as well. I am sure I will score a few more. I like the pressure and I play under pressure.
“I can’t complain, it has been a great season so far. I would like to push on. I would like to push on in the Champions League. Also, there are still massive games coming up. I just have to be ready for them and take my opportunities.”
-Tammy Abraham; source: Goal
Abraham soldiered through Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Leicester without being 100 per cent, and still came within inches of finishing off one of Reece James’s excellent crosses. Perhaps a fully fit Tammy would’ve gone for a less awkward finish in that instance.
But what’s done is done and what’s gone is gone. What matters is that once we come back from break in two weeks, Abraham’s back fully fit and fully firing on all cylinders.