We Ain't Got No History - Chelsea 2016-17 Season ReviewChampions of Europe!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52884/21_SBN_002_We_Aint_Got_No_History_Favicon_32x32..png2017-08-11T07:00:07+01:00http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/rss/stream/155387672017-08-11T07:00:07+01:002017-08-11T07:00:07+01:00Keep, Sell, Loan: Diego Costa 2016-17 season in review
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<figcaption>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Last but not least, it’s Dee-Ayy-Go</p> <p id="CBFEFk"><strong>Appearances</strong>: 38 starts (4 as substitute). <br><strong>Minutes</strong>: 3,090 in Premier League; 410 in domestic cups. <br><strong>Statistics </strong>(per 90 minutes, Premier League): 30.07 passes attempted (75% completed); 1.58 successful take ons (41.2% success rate); 2.69 fouls suffered; 0.58 goals (from open play); 0.2 assists; 3.24 shots (1.72 on target). </p>
<p id="tQzukT">Diego Costa's career at Chelsea has alternated between stretches of blazing form and periods colder than the North Pole. While he remained an important presence on the pitch even when his goalscoring form faltered, despite two 20-goal seasons in three years, we have yet to see him maintain good form for an entire season. </p>
<p id="HSixpN">And now, we probably never will.</p>
<p id="bg4gsy">The 2016-17 season was no different. In a repeat of his debut year, Diego took the Premier League by storm by scoring 15 goals from August to December, finding the back of the net against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to engage in a battle to top the stats charts with Arsenal's Alexis Sánchez, Everton's Romelu Lukaku and Tottenham's Harry Kane. He was also able to pick up some assists as well, ultimately finishing the season with a very respectable 7.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="pLuMHP">However, once we reached January the goals withered. From the turn of the year until the end of the season, Costa netted only 5 Premier League goals as his colleagues in attack Eden Hazard and Pedro took up the goalscoring burden instead. Costa still had the odd good showing — a hand in three of the four goals scored in the 4-2 win over Southampton, for example — especially as the season wound down. Still, he was much less of a threat than in the first half of the season. Perhaps not coincidentally, as Conte would later reveal, the decision to let Costa go was made and communicated to him back in January.</p>
<p id="NDsFT0">The goal drought also became an issue in another way, as Diego returned to his old self of picking yellow cards for fun. For the most part of the season, he kept himself in check, collecting only 4 yellow cards in 29 appearances during a 7-month stretch. But starting with the win over Manchester United in the FA Cup on March 13th, he picked up 6 in 13 appearances, while scoring only 4 goals.</p>
<p id="TiMuZu">Perhaps these facts coupled with Diego's general antics were the last straw for Antonio Conte, forcing the manager to confirm the January decision with his now fateful text message to the Brazilian-Spanish striker at the start of summer holidays.</p>
<p id="wOU1Tu"><strong>The Good </strong></p>
<p id="T7Dbz1">For the second time in his three years at Stamford Bridge, Diego led our goalscoring effort by recording 20 league goals. Overall, he has 59 goals (and 24 assists) in 120 appearances for the Blues, an almost perfect 1-in-2 ratio, and a total that’s good for 29th all-time, even with Nicolas Anelka (184 app’s) and one behind Salomon Kalou (254 app’s).</p>
<p id="slh2Tu"><strong>The Bad </strong></p>
<p id="60BXqu">The 2-0 loss to José Mourinho and his Manchester United side at Old Trafford was peak bad Costa, with the striker fully concentrated on his off-the-ball antics while giving away or losing the ball <a href="https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1080861/LiveStatistics/England-Premier-League-2016-2017-Manchester-United-Chelsea">a total of 16 times</a>.</p>
<p id="2X0S5m"><strong>The Best </strong></p>
<p id="bvN1fO">When people talk about the sorts of intangible qualities that Chelsea will be losing when Costa does finally, officially leave — and Morata or Batshuayi will have to try to fill — they talk about goals like the winner against Tony Pulis's West Bromwich Albion. A goal born out of pure hustle, strength, desire, snarl, fight, and not least of all, tremendous finishing skill. </p>
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<p id="XSoWNn"><strong>Verdict</strong></p>
<p id="vZMa5o">When this review was first drafted after our last game of the season, it was intended to be one fully praising Diego for keeping his antics in check for most of the season, shrugging off the rumours of a bad relationship with Antonio Conte, and leading Chelsea from the front to a second title in three years. </p>
<p id="iMTjal">Two months later, it’s all gone down in flames, bridges burnt, fields scorched, lines of communication severed. When the lawyers get involved, it’s time to turn out the lights and head on home.</p>
<p id="HR2diM">It would be foolish to overlook Costa’s contributions over the past three season, though it could be argued that he only acted in "full capacity" (either through form or fitness) for half of that period. But there is no turning back now.</p>
<p id="JXIgev">For our and his own good, we should <strong>sell</strong> him as soon as possible, thus keeping any hints of discord as far away from the dressing room as possible.</p>
<p id="CnYTVN">Thanks for the seasonos!</p>
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https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/8/11/16117714/diego-costa-2016-2017-season-review-chelsea-fc-player-analysisFellipe Miranda2017-06-15T05:50:01+01:002017-06-15T05:50:01+01:00Keep, Sell, Loan: Jeremie Boga 2016-17 season review
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<figcaption>Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="OENk0F"><strong>Appearances (starts + substitute):</strong><br>La Liga: 14 + 12 (1451 minutes)<br>Copa del Rey: 0 + 1 (30 minutes)</p>
<p id="xmQsD9"><strong>Goals + Assists:</strong><br>La Liga: 2 + 1</p>
<p id="gFzlYm">At the start of the season, Granada CF seemed like an attractive destination for Chelsea to send players. Emerging from seven years of ownership by the Pozzo family, who also own Watford and Udinese, they were no strangers to playing the loan market. Despite the change in ownership, or perhaps precisely because of it, no less than 18 players were brought in on temporary contracts over the course of the season, including Jeremie Boga, as well as fellow Chelsea youngster and Cote d’Ivoire international Victorien Angban, as Granada tried to stave off relegation for another season.</p>
<p id="diGjGW">Boga has been at Chelsea since 2008, and has always been highly regarded for his skill with the ball, dazzling runs and ability to beat his man (or multiple men, rather) with ease. Although he never got much of a sniff at playing a competitive match for the first-team, much has been and continues to be expected from him. Here’s a highlights reel from his Chelsea youth career, which demonstrates just why Boga has garnered so much hype over the years.</p>
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<p id="3acnVH">Boga is an attacking midfielder who is most comfortable playing centrally, although he has been deployed on either wing on occasion as well. He provides a lot of energy going forward, is a gifted dribbler with a great bust of pace and a threat on goal from anywhere near the penalty area. His first foray into senior football came last season on loan at Rennes, where he showed glimpses of his quality but was largely used as a substitute. The fact that Rennes’ own starlet, Ousmane Dembélé was having his own breakout season did not help Boga either. That season, Boga was named in the starting XI only 6 times and made appearances from the bench on 21 occasions. He was still quite raw and not quite up to speed with the senior game, especially in terms of physicality. </p>
<p id="OwuPTl">That he’s managed to develop at least in those terms during his time at Granada is a credit to him, considering that just about everything else at the club was an unmitigated disaster. Four different managers were in charge over the course of the season, from the young tactician and ex-Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jémez to the eccentric Arsenal legend Tony Adams. None of them could steer the sinking ship that was Granada Football Club, ending the season dead last on 20 points and just 5 wins from 38 games.</p>
<p id="tdspAk">While Boga managed about 200 more minutes this season than last, all told, his starts came in spells and he never really managed to keep his place in the starting XI for very long. In what has now become something of a recurring theme in his brief senior career so far, he showed all the skills on the ball but with little end product. He started the season brightly and often looked to be the best attacker on the team but his low defensive work-rate saw him dropped after the first few weeks. He had a brief resurgence around the turn of the year, including six straight starts, but ended the season firmly on substitutes bench. </p>
<p id="ZiS8J9">That’s not to say his time at Granada was a complete failure. He did have his moments, one of which was a man of the match performance against Sevilla in early December. The following all-touches video, and the ones below it, showcase Boga’s tendency of producing one moment of brilliance among a mire of frustrating ones, especially against better opposition.</p>
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<p id="LacfHs">Boga only turned 20 in January, so let’s compare his statistics from this season with those of other attackers (not named Ousmane Dembélé, Christian Pulisic or Kylian Mbappé) of a similar age who played in Europe’s top leagues, namely, Andreas Pereira (Granada CF, on loan from Manchester United), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Allan Saint-Maximin (SC Bastia, on loan from AS Monaco) and Bersant Celina (FC Twente, on loan from Manchester City)</p>
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<p id="3w8GKW">Statistics may not always be a fair reflection of the reality but in Boga’s case at least, they paint an accurate picture. He takes on a decent number of defenders, but the end product is blatantly lacking. The defensive side of his game also leaves a lot to be desired, and in today’s game even attacking players are expected to make significant contributions off the ball. We should of course take into consideration that he was playing in an absolutely dire team, though fellow loanee-teammate Andreas Pereira played twice as many minutes and with good reason. Pereira, a year older in fairness, was much more consistent, active, and productive.</p>
<p id="DZbpqu"><strong>Verdict:</strong></p>
<p id="uZ14M7">Jeremie Boga has now had two false starts to his senior career with two uninspiring loan spells in the Spanish and French top flights. This season can be judged with moderation, given the state of the club with which Chelsea saddled him, but Boga will have to add a lot more substance to his game if he wants to avoid becoming the next Gael Kakuta. He is still young fortunately, and for a player as talented as he is, all it takes is one good loan spell under a manager who trusts him to put him straight back into reckoning. My verdict for next season, therefore, is <strong>loan</strong>. Chelsea have had the right ideas for Boga’s loans so far in terms of the league and I anticipate yet another foreign loan but getting the team right this time around is vital.</p>
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https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/6/15/15798966/keep-sell-loan-chelsea-granada-jeremie-boga-2016-17-season-reviewRam Srinivas2017-06-13T10:45:43+01:002017-06-13T10:45:43+01:00Keep, Sell, Loan: Kasey Palmer 2016-17 season review
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<figcaption>Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="efKofW"><strong>Appearances (starts + substitute):</strong><br>EFL Championship: 16 + 9 (1329 minutes)<br>EFL Cup: 0 + 1 (32 minutes)<br>FA Cup: 1 (90 minutes)</p>
<p id="LPORwu"><strong>Goals + Assists:</strong><br>EFL Championship: 4 + 3<br>FA Cup: 1</p>
<p id="cWmDl9">There’s a seemingly endless supply of attacking talent coming out of the Chelsea Academy these days. Some have been there most of their lives, some have joined a bit later. Kasey Palmer is in the latter category, alongside the likes of Izzy Brown, Charly Musonda Jr. and Jeremie Boga. Like Brown, Palmer was signed by the Academy in March 2013 after he impressed against Chelsea’s Under-18 side in the 2012-13 FA Youth Cup while playing for Charlton Athletic. In the following three seasons, Palmer amassed 106 appearances for Chelsea youth teams, scoring 34 goals in the process; in this time, he won the Under-21 Premier League once, and the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League twice each. Palmer always had an eye for the spectacular and scored many great goals in his youth career, but his talent only became obvious to everyone in 2015-16, when many of his already heralded teammates, such as aforementioned trio of Brown, Boga, and Musonda went out on loan. Palmer’s showings that year earned him a place in the first-team towards the end of the season under Guus Hiddink, and he even made a couple of appearances on the first-team bench with a squad number of 38. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="8Jo7x2">Palmer has made most of his career appearances as an attacking midfielder. He loves to take players on and is capable of producing jaw-dropping moments, whether in scoring goals or beating defenders. While he isn’t quite a prodigious dribbler in the mould of Musonda or Boga, he’s a threat on goal from anywhere near the penalty area, can pick a pass with the best of them, and can create a chance at the drop of a hat. </p>
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<p id="cguzxW">Palmer was sent out on loan to second division Huddersfield Town last summer, and after taking his time to get fit following an injury, he soon became part of the first-choice XI — though manager David Wagner would rotate him from time to time to accommodate their <em>gegenpressing</em> style of play. In fact, Palmer scored the winning goal with his first touch in his very first Huddersfield appearance, coming off the bench. After a superb first half of the season, Palmer picked up a hamstring injury in early February that initially put him on course for a return in late April but a setback during rehabilitation effectively ended his season ... or so it seemed. Palmer made a near-miraculous comeback just in time for the Championship Play-off Final.</p>
<p id="xuew6y">Palmer’s effort and determination was rewarded with a spot on the bench and a substitute appearance, when he replaced fellow Chelsea loanee Isaiah Brown in extra-time. Looking just as comfortable as before in the short time that he was on the pitch, Palmer was also apparently Wagner’s choice for the fifth Huddersfield Town penalty taker, but was probably pushed to sixth after center-back Christopher Schindler insisted on taking the penalty that ultimately saw Town promoted to the Premier League.</p>
<p id="4crqx3">Palmer ended the season with just under 1,500 minutes on the pitch which would’ve been a lot more were it not for his injury, but is enough for statistics to provide a fair reflection of his skills and attributes. Let us go through a series of comparisons with respect to statistics per 90 minutes, starting with a comparison of Palmer and a few of his Chelsea peers in Musonda, Boga, John Swift and Lucas Piazon.</p>
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<figcaption>Kasey Palmer vs other (current and former) Chelsea prospects</figcaption>
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<p id="KuY79T">Palmer can not only boast the highest number of aerials won, total shots and goals scored, but he’s not lacking in any one statistical category either. Great at some things and above average at most others? Something like a young Willian, if I may say so. Palmer looks a much more well-rounded player at this point than the rest, which makes it easier for him to possibly thrive in a team that doesn’t necessarily endorse a brand of football that absolutely plays to his strengths. You may also watch a compilation video of Palmer’s actions in the first half of his Huddersfield season, put together by the Terriers’ official media team.</p>
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<p id="rjKqUG">Let’s now take it a step further and compare Palmer to four other attacking midfielders of the same age-group playing in top-flight leagues across Europe, namely Yassine Benzia (Lille), Max Meyer (Schalke), Nadiem Amiri (Hoffenheim) and Bruno Fernandes (Sampdoria).</p>
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<figcaption>Kasey Palmer vs Top-flight European talents of the same age group</figcaption>
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<p id="mc2fcy">Palmer once again more than comfortably holds his own against these foreign talents, although he doesn’t seem to have as much of the ball than the rest. The well-rounded nature of his game is highlighted here as well, with a glaring gap between his take-ons completed and aerial duels won, and that of the others. A comparison of Palmer with some of the better, older attacking midfielders in the Championship, such as Tom Ince and Wes Hoolahan, will also tell you that he has ability well beyond his years.</p>
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<p id="Da5Tnf">Finally, let’s compare him to two of Chelsea’s current options for the inside-forward role, Pedro and Willian, a proven elite Premier League talent in Dele Alli and Jack Wilshere, who spent the season playing as an attacking midfielder on loan at Bournemouth.</p>
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<p id="X5bcbL">The idea behind this comparison is to see how he measures up versus starting options for Chelsea (Pedro, Willian), a talent of the same age who plays week-in, week-out at a Champions League club like Tottenham (Alli) and an elite talent of the past like Wilshere, who was a key player for a mid-table club like Bournemouth. Palmer is rumoured to be wanted by Bournemouth and with good reason, as he’d make an excellent, if slightly different style Wilshere replacement. We can also once again see that Palmer is more of a Willian than a Pedro, which also leads me to believe that he can perform the same kind of role in Conte’s squad.</p>
<p id="D0uBTk">To cap things off, here’s <a href="https://streamable.com/x1yx9">an all-touches video</a> of Palmer in Huddersfield’s 1-2 win against Norwich City that took place in December.</p>
<div id="ZVVjxd"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.205%;"><video controls="" poster="//cdn-e2.streamable.com/image/x1yx9.jpg?token=1498472467_ddb9af3fcecc9eafa5d46cda096b5bbdbe88c4a7" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cf-e2.streamablevideo.com/video/mp4/x1yx9.mp4?token=1497262883-Annue9MUZqaavKiXV1XXZDv3aqcr7rFrO6UQh5ffryQ%3D" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="N617My">One of Palmer’s best displays in a Huddersfield shirt this year came in this game. A thorn in Norwich’s side all game long, he caused Graham Dorrans a lot of problems with his close control and ability to run with the ball. Palmer was key in keeping the attack fluid whenever Huddersfield chose to go through the center (they prefer to play through the wings), won lots of free-kicks and was a constant annoyance to their defence with his work-rate off the ball. This season, Palmer also received great tactical education from Wagner; he would prove very useful to a side that likes to press high, just as he has here, forcing his opponents into errors.</p>
<p id="9XM34Y"><strong>Verdict:</strong></p>
<p id="lBym01">Kasey Palmer is my dark horse candidate to make it at Chelsea from the recent crop of attacking midfielders who have graduated from the academy. Despite the injury that ruled him out for half the season and kept a lot of people from becoming acquainted with his talent, he’s made great strides under an excellent coach playing in a system that suited him, and was a key part of a team that won promotion to the Premier League. It just goes to show how important it is to find the right loan for a player. </p>
<p id="hW5f3q">As for next season, I strongly believe Palmer should be playing in the Premier League. As I mentioned earlier, he could flourish at a team like Bournemouth, or simply be loaned back to Huddersfield. With a loan in the Premier League, Palmer could realistically challenge for a place at Chelsea ... though I think he’s ready to spend pre-season with us at least, just like Charly Musonda is reportedly set to do. </p>
<p id="pHJrKf">Of course, when it comes to going back on loan to Huddersfield, which Palmer has stated he’d like to do, matters get a little complicated, because there’s also the situation of Izzy Brown to consider. Brown practically replaced Palmer in the second half of the season for Huddersfield and has also done very well, meaning the club will no doubt want to retain both for next season. I hope Chelsea can avoid selling for one more season at least, and loan them out to different clubs. Hence, my verdict is <strong>loan</strong> and preferably to Huddersfield, even over Izzy Brown if it comes to that.</p>
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https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/6/13/15780612/keep-sell-loan-kasey-palmers-2016-17-season-in-reviewRam Srinivas2017-06-12T08:14:38+01:002017-06-12T08:14:38+01:00Keep, Sell, Loan: Nathan Aké 2016-17 season review
<figure>
<img alt="Netherlands v Luxembourg - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BwqpMb_p5f-g0r9-jxCnaGCxhcw=/0x0:3648x2432/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55204245/694439162.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="KPHir3"><strong>Appearances (starts + substitute):</strong><br>Premier League: 8 + 2 (AFC Bournemouth, 733 minutes), 1 + 1 (Chelsea, 98 minutes)<br>FA Cup: 3 (Chelsea, 270 minutes)<br>EFL Cup: 2 (AFC Bournemouth, 210 minutes)</p>
<p id="jfQjhT">Nathan Aké played a highly fragmented 1,311 minutes of football this season. Despite being sent on loan to Bournemouth early enough to participate fully in their pre-season preparations, the youngster found it difficult to break into Eddie Howe’s rigid starting XI. Aké was sent there with the intention of spending a season playing in the Premier League as a midfielder rather than the left-back as he did at Watford in the season before, but the deadline day high-profile loan signing of Jack Wilshere from Arsenal certainly threw a spanner in the works for the Chelsea talent. Wilshere was thrust straight into the starting line-up, while midfielders who were well-drilled with Howe’s system in Harry Arter and Andrew Surman proved to be very difficult to displace from their positions. As a result, Aké was handed his opportunities to impress only in League Cup games, and only at center-back and with highly-rotated sides. His two starts in the EFL Cup included a narrow victory against lowly Morecambe and a shock exit to Preston North End. Aké played well in both games but was arguably let down by the weak team around him.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AFC Bournemouth v Preston North End - EFL Cup Third Round" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h3_Vo80KkDce3y5uj_pBNFTLN-s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8665579/609467122.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="qJetwa">All of 22, Aké is a youngster with great attitude and he continued to work hard in training and patiently wait for his next chance to impress, which eventually came as a result of a suspension to first-choice right-back, Adam Smith. Simon Francis occupied the right-back spot, while Aké filled in at left center-back. Aké scored the winning goal in that game, heading in from a set-piece, and played well enough to remain in the Bournemouth starting XI for every game he was eligible for until his (un?)timely recall by Chelsea. Aké never did get his midfield gig at Bournemouth, but instead he reminded the world of his potential as a center-back. Aké was a perfect fit for Eddie Howe’s system, astute with the ball at his feet and able to stand his ground against the strikers he came up against. It could be argued that Antonio Conte should’ve let him see out the remainder of the season playing regular Premier League football, but isn’t one of the objectives of the loan system to produce a player for the first-team as well?</p>
<p id="z4ySLc">As expected, Aké found that playing time didn’t come as easily back at Chelsea. Conte saw him as a direct replacement for Gary Cahill as left-sided center-back in the back three, or as back-up left wing-back, capable of filling in at the center of the back-line as well. He made three starts in the FA Cup and played well each time, especially against Tottenham in the semi-final when he was unexpectedly called upon due to Cahill’s illness. In the league, his lone start came against former loan club, Watford, after Chelsea had clinched the title, but he also had an impressive cameo against Everton, coming on for an injured David Luiz for the last few minutes. Aké has played every position in midfield, plus center-back and left-back at youth level, too, but the first glimpse we got of him as a center-back in the Premier League was with Watford, against the title-winning attack of Leicester City.</p>
<div id="tYid9z"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75.0019%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/3g3c" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="soUEqK">Aké’s strengths lie in his tackling, passing and composure on the ball, as is apparent from the above video of his defensive actions against Leicester. He’s also an intelligent player, and has now managed to cut it in the Premier League in two different positions. He himself has stated in the past that left-back is probably his least favourite position, yet he played in the excess of 1,800 minutes for a newly-promoted Watford side that remained afloat in the league quite easily. Of course, he had his share of pitfalls and made mistakes as any young player would do, but Quique Sanchez Flores kept faith in him and allowed him to learn. In Aké’s early days at Watford, his aerial ability and positioning as a full-back exposed him at times and he was heavily targeted by the opposition. His manager’s trust in him was rewarded though, as he improved fast in both aspects and looked very much a competent Premier League left-back.</p>
<p id="Zt3lFN">Here’s a video from the second half of Aké’s first league start for Chelsea, which came in the final league game of the 2012-13 season under Rafa Benitez, another manager who trusted Aké. Aké played as a holding midfielder in this game, alongside Frank Lampard and in front of a back four of David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole.</p>
<div id="0oykiV"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.8731%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/x52lg" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="SG6ve1">If you did watch that video, you witnessed an 18-year-old Aké holding his own in midfield against the grown men of Everton. This may have been the last game of the season but third place was very much at stake for Chelsea and a win was needed to see that through. It was, in fact, Aké’s pass that began the attack that led to the winning goal. Clearly, Rafa Benítez saw his potential as a midfielder and nurtured it in the half-season that he was Chelsea manager. The fact that his recent playing time has all come in defence is a bit of a pity in that regard, but the point remains that in my eyes at least, he can make up numbers in Chelsea’s midfield depth chart at the very least.</p>
<p id="vQh7jv">For a rough idea about his skillset, let’s have a look at the stats Aké has amassed over his three loan spells. Note that most of his appearances at Bournemouth and Watford came at center-back and left-back respectively, while at Reading he made three starts in midfield, one as a center back and one as a left-back. His pass completion rate stands in the mid-70s for his spells at Watford and Reading, although I suspect that was largely down to the system both teams were playing at the time. At Watford, he was often required to hoof the ball up to Troy Deeney, for example. This point is further reinforced when one looks at his passing accuracy at Bournemouth, which clocks in at <strong>88%</strong>, averaging <strong>37.4 </strong>successful passes per 90,<strong> </strong>consisting of <strong>1.5 </strong>successful long balls. Aké isn’t known for his proficiency at chance creation, and has registered an average of <strong>0.4</strong> key passes per game at all three loan spells. Of Chelsea’s current starting defenders, only César Azpilicueta averages more, and not by much (<strong>0.43</strong>), while the differences in passing accuracy are negligible (though Chelsea’s starting back three all make more passes total).</p>
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<img alt="Reading v Cardiff City - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3V9GwxhoAKr-I2cF9Ff1Ie8jw6w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8665731/468603418.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="aIApTf">Aké has excellent tackling technique, and over all his loan spells averages <strong>2.38</strong> successful tackles per 90 minutes, whereas none of our starting defence crosses 1.74. These are all numbers that are affected greatly by systems and possession figures, so as Aké has been attempting more tackles in total, he’s also averaged almost as many tackles lost as won, although his success rate at Bournemouth was <strong>84%</strong>. Aké isn’t much of a dribbler, but averaged <strong>0.4</strong> successful take-ons even at Bournemouth, which is higher than any of our current back three. Although his positional awareness at Watford needed work, Aké registered <strong>3.65</strong> tackles at Watford, and <strong>2.20</strong> at Reading. His numbers are understandably lower at <strong>1.1</strong> with Bournemouth, and in this regard he doesn’t surpass either of David Luiz, Cahill or Azpilicueta. All four defenders register a similar amount of blocks, while Aké claims more aerial duels won (<strong>2.25</strong>) than Azpilicueta and David Luiz, falling just short of Cahill (<strong>2.38</strong>). Aké was rather foul-prone earlier in his career, averaging <strong>1.34</strong> and <strong>2 </strong>at Watford and Reading, respectively, although his numbers went down at Bournemouth, where he averaged just <strong>0.4</strong> fouls per 90 minutes, which is once again lower than Chelsea’s first-choice defence.</p>
<p id="ZDQkyX">For further and more recent demonstrations of Aké’s footballing actions, you may look to the videos below.</p>
<div id="AQZ1Mh"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Fs_rt4tBns?rel=0&amp;controls=2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="lRDJhX"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sX73sQK3l6k?rel=0&amp;controls=2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="A65tf9"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mK7Uy_Xlrvw?rel=0&amp;controls=2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="MVOaR7"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pTbe8xIFjnU?rel=0&amp;controls=2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="JlIbKc"><strong>Verdict:</strong></p>
<p id="7n1e29">Antonio Conte has reiterated time and time again that Aké deserved to be called back to Chelsea, and that he has faith in the youngster. While I don’t think Aké making four starts since returning is an unassailable indicator of Conte’s actual trust in his ability, I do know that Aké isn’t going to be sticking around for long if he doesn’t start playing more regularly. He is now 22 years old, and has multiple Premier League clubs showing great interest in him. Frankly, it’s now or never for Aké at Chelsea. Chelsea will be competing in Europe this season and Aké could prove to be an extremely useful player to have in the squad, as he can provide able depth in four specific positions. Of course, his role would have to be a greater one than it was for the past half-season. Hopefully, he’ll prove to Conte in pre-season that he’s worth an increased role in the squad. My verdict (<strong>keep</strong>) should be fairly obvious to regular readers of the blog; quite simply put, I love Nathan Aké and want him to spend his whole career here, eventually becoming captain some day. I acknowledge that the probability of such a thing happening is low, but for next season at least, I believe he should be kept in the squad. If his playing time remains the same, then he should move on the following season for his own good. Wherever Nathan Aké does end up, though, I believe he will turn out to be a special player.</p>
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https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/6/12/15777656/keep-sell-loan-nathan-akes-2016-17-season-in-reviewRam Srinivas2017-06-11T08:25:58+01:002017-06-11T08:25:58+01:00Keep, Sell, Loan: Lewis Baker 2016-17 season review
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<img alt="Sparta Rotterdam vs Vitesse Arnhem - Cup Semifinal" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RFIMclhpJRNuC7m7rgS6mf0ShNk=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55193441/647168844.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Ub1Bhd"><strong>Appearances (starts + substitute):</strong><br>Dutch Eredivisie - 33 + 0 (2907 minutes)<br>KNVB Beker - 6 + 0 (523 minutes)</p>
<p id="nUsx3Y"><strong>Goals + Assists:</strong><br>Dutch Eredivisie - 10 + 4<br>KNVB Beker - 5 + 3</p>
<p id="QcFVcQ"><em>(Note: Throughout this article, ‘assists’ also include assisting own goals and winning penalties that are successfully converted)</em></p>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Vitesse v Southampton - UEFA Europa League: Third Qualifying Round 2nd Leg" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/77mxNfKXFTY1UWtoABfMvfE9I6E=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8662787/483266028.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="5W6a1m">After short-term domestic loans to Sheffield Wednesday and promotion-winning MK Dons, Lewis Baker was farmed out to Vitesse Arnhem at the beginning of last season. While the Eredivisie is not a league that is considered among the top five in Europe, it is of a good enough level to be important for a young player’s development and tactical education. This is probably why, year after year, Chelsea send groups of youngsters to Arnhem; while it is not exactly the required step to bridge the gap between youth football and playing for Chelsea’s first-team, it is more than a suitable stepping stone out of the youth game. Lewis Baker showed flashes of his brilliance in a satisfactory first season at Vitesse, but it was widely accepted that he was capable of a great deal more. Stability was key at that point in his career, and after even being advised by the players and staff at Vitesse to stay an additional year, his loan was renewed for the 2016-17 season. </p>
<p id="ALinP9">His second season at Vitesse was always going to be vital. Now that Baker was going to remain in a stable environment and presumably start regularly, he was expected to increase his influence and output. It’s safe to say that the 22-year-old did not disappoint, playing a key role as the club finished fifth and won the first major trophy in their history, the KNVB Beker.</p>
<p id="6qR1Cx">In both of his seasons at Vitesse, Baker played in a typically Dutch 4-3-3 formation. Under Peter Bosz in his first season, he played as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box midfielder and saw more of the ball than he did during his second season, when he was given a more outright attacking role. Baker played a lot more in his second season (almost 900 minutes more in the league), and was a mainstay in the starting XI; the only game he didn’t start was due to a red card suspension. Let’s compare Baker’s numbers over the two seasons.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oLAdQ0Jj24fDCGU-ZN5IIawul7Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8665629/6L78z1g.png">
<figcaption>Lewis Baker, 2016-17 (Red) vs Lewis Baker, 2015-16 (Blue)</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="8LVA95">While his chances created and key pass numbers per-90 seem to be much greater on the face of it, that is likely due to the fact that he had a lot more substitute appearances and less 90-minute spells completed last season, and also that he was assigned to most set pieces and created many chances in that manner, unlike this season. Another factor to be considered is that this season, he hadn’t been the main creative outlet. Manager Henk Fraser, who was appointed last summer, preferred a much more wing-oriented style of play and hence more often than not, the ball would be played out wide to the likes of Adnane Tighadouini and Milot Rashica. As the numbers suggest, Baker had been more fearless with the ball this season when it came to attempts on goal, especially from outside the area. With regards to attempts on goal from outside the box, Baker averaged <strong>1.9</strong> per 90 minutes, which was seventh highest in the league. Among all central midfielders, he ranked <strong>third</strong> in attempts on goal overall, with only Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech and Dirk Kuyt shooting more. While Baker’s overall play in terms of tackles, interceptions, aerials won and take-ons looks to have come <em>some</em> way from last season, it’s still where he needs to improve the most. </p>
<p id="gCMJst">To put things into perspective, let’s compare his aforementioned statistics with that of Cesc Fàbregas from 2009-10, which was his breakout season at Arsenal, at the age of 22. Whether Baker is better off the ball than Fabregas is a question that is asked a lot, and I find that their roles are more comparable when looking at Cesc’s time at Arsenal. Fàbregas averaged <strong>3.7</strong> attempted tackles per game, as opposed to Baker’s <strong>1.6</strong>, while their interception numbers are almost the same (<strong>1.1</strong> vs <strong>1.2</strong>). Baker leads the way in terms of blocks, with <strong>0.8</strong> (including <strong>0.6</strong> passes blocked) as compared to Fabregas’ <strong>0.3</strong> (with <strong>0</strong> passes blocked), while he was also dispossessed less often (<strong>1.2</strong>) than Fàbregas (<strong>3</strong>). Lastly, they were both, more or less equally good (or bad) when it came to aerial duels, with Baker winning <strong>0.6</strong> out of <strong>1.3</strong>, and Fabregas winning <strong>0.5</strong> out of <strong>1.4</strong>. Yes, they were playing in vastly different teams and leagues but the purpose of this comparison is to get a rough idea where Baker stands in areas that aren’t necessarily his strengths. While Fàbregas just edges it, there’s not a lot between the two and more regular playing time should help Baker improve even further.</p>
<p id="sS8VML">As far as scoring contribution goes, Baker averaged <strong>a goal or an assist every 155 minutes in all competitions</strong>, and every 207 minutes in the Eredivisie. Attacking midfielders from the top Eredvisie teams are far better in this regard though, with the likes of Hakim Ziyech (Ajax, 125), Davy Klaassen (Ajax, 118.7) and Marco van Ginkel (PSV, 115) boasting ridiculously high numbers in the Eredivisie. Again, for perspective, Marco van Ginkel either scored or assisted a goal every <strong>152</strong> minutes in the KNVB Beker and Eredvisie in the 2012-13 season at Vitesse, which ultimately led to Chelsea signing him. Van Ginkel was a year younger than Baker at the time, although in an arguably stronger team overall.</p>
<p id="VH2rdp">While Baker is easily one of the best midfielders aged 21 and under in the Eredivisie to have played most of the season, the aforementioned midfielders from the likes of Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV — i.e. the top teams in the league — registered better numbers, at least in terms of goalscoring contribution. Here’s a more overall comparison for a better picture.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vD38vd57t48zM5lFbpTdaJLiG_0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8665631/MsMwig7.png">
</figure>
<p id="rYl36p">Finally, here’s a compilation video of all of Baker’s Vitesse goals this season.</p>
<div id="pRgBMI"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fzXbOQe3UfQ?rel=0&amp;controls=2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="XphTdV">The above video shows one part of what Baker can add to a team. He’s a threat from set-pieces and is a potent threat on goal, in a somewhat similar fashion to one Frank Lampard. He also offers a lot of creativity, while effortlessly keeping the ball ticking over in midfield. Additional work on the defensive aspect of his game would make him quite a force to reckon with.</p>
<p id="SwuKO9"><strong>Verdict: </strong></p>
<p id="WnlRtm">Baker is well capable of registering even better numbers in the Eredivisie with Vitesse next season but it’s time that he began challenging himself at a higher level, and also preferably in a better system. He’s done well in his two years at Vitesse and could probably play a depth role at Chelsea if needed but what he really needs now is one more year on loan at a higher level. Hence, my verdict is <strong>loan</strong>.</p>
<p id="FibBYS">As far as Premier League destinations go, they’re largely limited. One of the smaller teams such as Brighton could be looked at, but Baker is much better off in a team that sees a sufficient amount of the ball. Personally, I’d favour a move abroad, to France or Germany. Borussia Monchengladbach have two young defensive midfielders waiting in the ranks but Baker could offer them something totally different. Eintracht Frankfurt is worth a shout, too, as far as Bundesliga loan destinations are concerned. Of course, there’s every chance that Baker, who just turned 22 a little over a month ago, is given the opportunity to impress Antonio Conte in pre-season, but the likelihood of another loan seems far greater to me. </p>
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https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/6/11/15774670/keep-sell-loan-lewis-baker-2016-17-chelsea-vitesse-season-in-reviewRam Srinivas2017-06-10T06:53:47+01:002017-06-10T06:53:47+01:00Keep, Sell, Loan: Ruben Loftus-Cheek 2016-17 season review
<figure>
<img alt="Chelsea v Manchester City - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ljhO2x4SG2ASHbCv_D35O-sRdjg=/0x0:3738x2492/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55185791/664984564.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="FB1KZn"><strong>Appearances (starts + substitute):</strong></p>
<p id="f76HLC">Premier League: 0 + 6 (30 minutes)<br>FA Cup: 2 + 1 (164 minutes)<br>EFL Cup: 2 (149 minutes)</p>
<p id="LAWH8C"><strong>The story so far:</strong></p>
<p id="dFxjcC">Ruben Loftus-Cheek only turned 21 in January, but it feels like he’s been in and around the first-team for ages. He cut an extremely impressive and dominant figure at youth level, and attracted widespread attention after impressing in Chelsea’s two post-season friendlies against Manchester City in 2013. At that time, Loftus-Cheek was seen as a central midfielder, and the answer to most anxiously posed questions such as “Will Chelsea ever have another youth product as a regular starter?” and “Can he play in the pivot?”. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Manchester City v Chelsea" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r6YWbVTnRl3WJ1Hpbj0slILCDuw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8657325/169389529.jpg">
<cite>Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="F2ivhs">Jose Mourinho joined the following summer and Loftus-Cheek spent yet another successful season with the Chelsea Under-18 and Under-21 teams, before finally making his Chelsea debut on the infamous ‘Academy Day’ versus Sporting Lisbon in December 2014. He was formally drafted into the Chelsea first-team by Mourinho in February and even made a couple of starts in dead rubber Premier League games at the end of the season. Chelsea had just won the league and as we looked forward to a bright and stable future and Mourinho, we talked up Loftus-Cheek a great deal, claiming he would soon be ready to have equal opportunities as a first-team player. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gk-gYYHuQZKYFXVyhZkFu2hu7wg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8657331/473900680.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="nareCm">Of course, nobody could’ve possibly envisioned what would ensue in the 2015-16 season but if anything, Chelsea’s first-team regulars performing terribly should’ve meant that the likes of Loftus-Cheek would’ve been afforded some sort of greater role or perhaps given a reasonable chance to stake their claim over the underperforming and under-fire regulars. In accordance with the general theme of Mourinho and Loftus-Cheek, there were positive indications at first. With Chelsea trailing 0-2 at Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace in the fourth match of the season, RLC was thrown on for the last 17 minutes. Along with fellow substitute Kenedy, Loftus-Cheek turned in an impressive performance and left us all wanting more. That more never quite materialised.</p>
<p id="88g34Z">After just one win in the next four games, Mourinho claimed he was willing to finally give the youth a chance in the Premier League, and started Loftus-Cheek against Aston Villa — curiously enough, as an attacking midfielder and only for 45 minutes, reserving a few stern words even for the youngster after the game. Ruben only saw significant game time next under Guus Hiddink, who handed him three starts (also as an attacking midfielder) and some time off the bench as well. He ended the 2015-16 season with 737 minutes played, which remains his highest in a full senior season. He also signed a new contract that ties him to the club until the summer of 2021.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Chelsea v Manchester City - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nfe4AICpqisYw1-tEsLv3FGa1Fo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8657357/521576578.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="XOwQ72">With the arrival of Antonio Conte, it was thought that the youngster would finally go out on loan and get what he needed the most - regular playing time. Conte saw it differently however, and chose to retain him in the first-team. Like Hiddink and Mourinho before him, Conte also saw Loftus-Cheek primarily as an attacking option. Initially a second striker in the 4-2-4 system, Ruben later also played as an inside-forward in the 3-4-3. Working with Conte has been beneficial for the 21-year-old, who has looked better with every appearance this season, whether against Peterborough and Bristol Rovers in the cup competitions, or an impactful cameo against Stoke City in the Premier League. </p>
<p id="wQHBXw">Given that Chelsea weren’t in Europe for the season, the squad was kept relatively small in size and although Loftus-Cheek didn’t feature in the match-day squad on as many occasions as Nathaniel Chalobah, he made the 18 in the league 15 times despite minimal injury concerns to the regular options and injury problems of his own (notably his back, and not for the first time in his career) to deal with. He was a regular for the England Under-21 side throughout the season though, and was arguably their best player over the stretch; it’s quite a pity therefore, that he’ll have to miss out on the upcoming Under-21 Euro tournament due to his most recent injury setback.</p>
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<img alt="Chelsea v Brentford - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Lkgy4d_zrtHRWRdM-gncQfqqSIs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8657371/632911920.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="akpjLc"><strong>The Football:</strong></p>
<p id="1rETCv">Loftus-Cheek played every central midfield position at youth level, although three senior managers have now played him further front and deployed him as an attacking option. </p>
<p id="y5d7Lb">Let’s have a look at his showing in the aforementioned post-match friendly against Manchester City in 2013, when he was still an academy player.</p>
<div id="IsSPAq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75.0019%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xd271xOZxR0?rel=0&amp;controls=2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="bfcLgN">Loftus-Cheek is a physical specimen to behold and didn’t look out of place in those terms on the pitch. Stand-out aspects of this game that come to mind were his tendency to dribble past players and carry the ball in midfield, which eventually evolved into his almost trademark mazy runs forward. </p>
<p id="vJGgar">Fast-forwarding about two years, here’s Loftus-Cheek starting against Liverpool towards the end of the 2014-15 season, in which he seems more comfortable on the pitch than before and also more at ease physically as he’s continued to grow into his body. A solid, pro-active performance overall but it doesn’t tell us too much about him yet.</p>
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<p id="80Amyu">Ruben’s first-half display as central-attacking midfielder against Aston Villa in the 2015-16 season introduced us to his potential as an attacking threat at the top level, with his obvious ability to run past midfielders, whilst also out-muscling opposition defenders. His end product was lacking, along with ability to influence the game consistently, but it seems only reasonable to expect such qualities to develop only with more experience and match-time.</p>
<div id="m9HfjO"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jV0Z-or--MI?rel=0&amp;controls=2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="c3T30O">This rather indifferent display against MK Dons in the same season, other than his assist to Oscar, also highlights how frustrating Ruben could be, looking even a little lackadaisical at times.</p>
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<p id="eAE784">Finally, we come to this season with these clips from games against Peterborough and Brentford showcasing a new and improved version of Loftus-Cheek, who seems more confident, imposing and light on his feet. It’s evident that training under Conte has improved him.</p>
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<p id="9Nn1l4">He doesn’t get as much joy against Brentford but is notably more effective than his previous seasons’ displays.</p>
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<p id="Waes4n"><strong>Verdict:</strong></p>
<p id="mpOZQW">Loftus-Cheek has been the poster-child for academy youth for a few seasons now and hence has been burdened with a lot of expectations. While his development doesn’t look to have gone as greatly as perhaps it could have and as we had all hoped, he is by no means done at Chelsea. The long-term contract he signed in early 2016 was an indication that the club saw him as part of the future and Antonio Conte too, most recently stated that Ruben was seen as a key part of Chelsea going forward. However, after two seasons on the fringes, I reckon Loftus-Cheek has had enough in-house development. He’s trained and played under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink and Antonio Conte, and it’s high-time for him to have a full season of regular minutes. He has all it takes to succeed in the Premier League, but playing time is a must for him to take a firm step towards fulfilling his potential. Hence, my verdict is <strong>loan</strong>.</p>
<p id="DHQkAF">As for potential destinations, Newcastle’s name has been most prominent in recent times, although Tammy Abraham looks set to move there on loan instead. Possible alternatives in the Premier League are Bournemouth and Brighton, whereas a season under Leonid Slutsky at Hull wouldn’t serve him badly either, even if that would mean stepping down to second division football. Borussia Monchengladbach is an option abroad that could be explored, but I sense a domestic loan coming for Ruben.</p>
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https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/6/10/15767536/keep-sell-loan-ruben-loftus-cheek-2016-17-season-and-chelsea-career-in-reviewRam Srinivas2017-06-09T09:14:25+01:002017-06-09T09:14:25+01:00Keep, Sell, Loan: Azpilicueta 2016-17 season review
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<img alt="Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gmXcSP95aabGraItzr0myUdjxm8=/0x0:4632x3088/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55169245/686385692.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="HVvwG9"><strong>Appearances</strong>: 45 starts (2 as substitute)<br><strong>Minutes</strong>: 3,420 in Premier League; 678 in domestic cups<br><strong>Statistics </strong>(per 90 minutes, Premier League): 1.74 tackles won (47.5% success rate); 1.9 aerial duels won (51.4% successful challenges); 3.68 clearances. </p>
<p id="pMReCv">"Playing below standards" was a constant theme of <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea's</a> 2015-16 season and not many escaped the clutches of that malaise. César “Dave” Azpilicueta was one of those who came closest — he may have had a few difficulties as well in producing to his usual level, but they were largely overshadowed by much more major struggles elsewhere in the squad.</p>
<p id="8hvcs6">For Azpi, the new season meant a new start in more than one way. In addition to the new coach and a brand new gameplan, Azpilicueta also had to learn a brand new position for the second time at Chelsea, and third overall in his career. Once a right winger at Osasuna, Azpilicueta arrived at Chelsea as a right back, only to become a left back during José Mourinho's second tenure at the club. Now, Conte asked him to play as a central defender, occupying the right side of the three-man back line. Needless to say, Dave, the most competitive and most dedicated person in the squad, made the transition flawlessly and the only weakness he did show was down to something very much out of his control: his height.</p>
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<img alt="Chelsea v Middlesbrough - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ny0UuM5eBp8l3Gl4hEyiFEvIGro=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8655967/680711806.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="OWAeY6">Azpilicueta’s move to a more central role on the pitch was mirrored by his rise to prominence as a squad leader and next in line for the captain’s armband after Gary Cahill. Victor Moses, reborn as a right wing-back, paid tribute to his defensive partner’s guidance several times throughout the season: Azpilicueta was the chatty right-hand side of the equally chatty center and center-left positions in the back three.</p>
<p id="yGWi0Q">But Dave's impact was not limited to just defence. Throughout the season, he was also key to Chelsea controlling the tempo of the game and transitioning from defence to midfield. Azpi led the entire Premier League in total number of passes while completing the rare feat of playing every single minute of every single match of the league season.</p>
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<img alt="West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TOe-tQWIdnvYt7xG8MczboSoSoE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8655985/682389210.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="bZGGvJ">As one of the more underrated and non-flashy members of the regular starting eleven, he was perhaps an unsurprising snub from the PFA’s Team of the Year. He did get a nomination for the Premier League’s Player of the Year award, losing to once similarly underrated teammate N’Golo Kanté — maybe it will be Azpi’s turn next season!</p>
<p id="XFhmpP"><strong>The Good</strong><strong>: </strong>César Azpilicueta's career at Chelsea has been defined by effort, excellence, and consistency, and this season has been no different. In our community player ratings <em>(ed.note: which a certain lazy blogger still hasn’t collated into the annual WAGNH Player of the Year award list)</em>, Azpilicueta was rated below 7.1 on 11 times out of 47 appearances.</p>
<p id="NAT6pJ"><strong>The Bad</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>Azpilicueta might have a few nightmares about going up for far-post headers against Dele Alli, two of which were scored in the match at White Hart Lane (r.i.p.) that ended our record 13-match winning streak.</p>
<p id="EmitC8"><strong>The Best</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>Providing the assist for the goal that clinched the Premier League title for Chelsea. Honorable mention: <a href="https://streamable.com/jbi7">that goal</a> against Leicester City in the League Cup. Honorable mention, part two: just about every single minute of his time on the pitch this season. </p>
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<p id="V3eWZU"><strong>Verdict</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>Azpilicueta <a href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/5/17/15651774/chelsea-4-3-watford-player-ratings-man-of-the-match">already has the official support of WAGNH</a> if he were to bid for next year’s captaincy over Gary Cahill. If not, that’s fine, he’ll still be number one in our hearts.</p>
<p id="Yoig6e">Azpi, now at the ripe old age of 27, soon to be 28, is one of the longest-serving members of the squad. In his five years at Stamford Bridge, he’s been nothing if not an adorable, yet fierce (and sometimes creepy) picture of consistency, dedication, versatility, adaptability, maturity, etc. etc. etc this could go on for a while.</p>
<p id="KL3vRB">In short, Dave is life, Dave is love. (Keep, obviously, and if you vote otherwise, you’re going to have to have serious ‘splaining to do.)</p>
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https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/6/9/15766348/cesar-azpilicueta-2016-2017-season-review-chelsea-fc-player-analysisFellipe Miranda2017-06-07T11:50:16+01:002017-06-07T11:50:16+01:00Keep, Sell, Loan: Courtois 2016-17 season review
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<img alt="West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OfDawbyS2IWf6MmmXtHRTH32nA8=/0x0:4449x2966/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55130775/682417716.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Taking a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of each and every Chelsea player's season. First up, Master Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.</p> <p id="bbuluA"><strong>Appearances: </strong>39 starts (none as substitute). <br><strong>Minutes:</strong> 3,240 in Premier League; 270 in domestic cups;. <br><strong>Statistics</strong><em><strong> </strong></em><strong>(per 90 minutes, Premier League)</strong>: 0.78 goals conceded (Chelsea career low); 1.61 saves; 69% passing accuracy. </p>
<p id="lQnVmF">Heading into the 2016-17 season, Chelsea's theme was one of recovery. Having grown used to fighting for titles, the team's historically poor attempt at defending the Premier League title had lowered expectations dramatically. Fortunately for us, the individual and team performances that followed shattered our predictions instead.</p>
<p id="IrYyKk"><span>Thibaut Courtois</span> was certainly one of those players. His 2015-16 season had been relatively, and remarkably bad for a player who had built himself into a world class goalkeeper and a serial winner. After a year marred by injury and bad form, the new season with a new coach would be the opportunity for him to show that the previous term was only a glitch. And that he certainly did.</p>
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<img alt="Sunderland v Chelsea - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kg0Anuu6iqVyZLhyKmANPk1ZkkU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8642573/629852226.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="BPgMLc">Throughout the season, Courtois rarely gave a bad performance between the posts, and even when he made the rare glaring error (such as the giveaway against Manchester City), he quickly made up for it. His save with the tip of the finger against Sunderland will certainly stand the test of time as far as key moments of the season are concerned.</p>
<p id="tsMF0c">However, a modern goalkeeper's job does not consist solely of shot-stopping and ball-catching — two areas in which Courtois was already excellent. This season he also improved his distribution and his play with his feet (crediting, in part, the recovery work done last season following his injury), and was a crucial part of Conte’s emphasis on building play from the back. His long distribution, while not critical, seemed more accurate than before, especially when targeting wing-backs Alonso and, early in the season, Ivanović.</p>
<p id="kpSYCv">A goalkeeper is often only as good as the defence and the midfield in front of him of course, so credit is due to them for keeping T-Bo’s workload relatively light. The 8.5 shots against per match was the Premier League’s third lowest, matching the team’s ranking in goals conceded for the season as well. With 16 clean sheets, Courtois ended the season with the Premier League’s Golden Glove, besting Tottenham's Hugo Lloris in the process.</p>
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<img alt="Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sFMWR0Q7h-HdqSpedYodHL2onFw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8642555/686385220.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="ZRsJDk"><strong>The Good</strong><strong>:</strong> 16 clean sheets in 38 games in the Premier League, including six in a row at the start of the club-record 13-game winning streak that more or less won Chelsea the title.</p>
<p id="rKsrCW"><strong>The Bad</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>Giving away another penalty to Swansea way back in September.</p>
<p id="ARYPwe"><strong>The Best</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>As he himself opined, Courtois’ save against former Chelsea trainee Patrick van Aanholt at the Stadium of Light was his best of the season, preventing a certain draw and keeping the aforementioned winning-streak going.</p>
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<p id="iM2cC6"><strong>Verdict</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>Courtois inarguably reaffirmed himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world this season. While he received major help from Conte's three-man back line and the midfield in front of them, several key performances helped keep Chelsea ahead in the race for the title and himself ahead in the race for clean sheets.</p>
<p id="daG9ie">In the meantime, Courtois’ relationship with the fans seemed to be improve as well, even as Real Madrid rumors continued to periodically make the rounds. Both Courtois and Conte talked about using Gianluigi Buffon as his inspiration, both in terms of longevity and loyalty. The latter is a two-way road, and there should be an important contract extension waiting for the 25-year-old this summer.</p>
<p id="r7B8SL">Courtois is an obvious keep, and one for whom we should fight tooth and nail should Real Madrid circle back around in the near future.</p>
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https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/6/7/15750274/thibaut-courtois-2016-2017-season-review-chelsea-fc-player-analysisFellipe Miranda