As part of a massive update from Simon Johnson of The Athletic, it was noted that Chelsea are hoping to get cover for Reece James. The right wing-back only started 22 Premier League games last season due to injuries. According to The Athletic, Dujon Sterling is in contention for the spot as James’ backup. In addition to Sterling, Chelsea are seemingly monitoring Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain.
Dujon Sterling Could Be in Line for Chelsea Role
Home Grown
One of the big positives of trusting Dujon Sterling in this role is that he’s a home-grown player. We know from precedent that Thomas Tuchel isn’t afraid to trust academy graduates and allow them to earn a spot in the first team. Reece James is the most obvious name as he successfully made his way through the academy before becoming the team’s starting right wing-back. In addition to James, Tuchel has also given the nod to Trevoh Chalobah and nurtured Mason Mount into one of the best attacking-minded midfielders in the Premier League.
Impressed on Loan
Before injury cut his season short, Dujon Sterling was having an impressive loan spell in the Championship for Blackpool. Sterling made 25 appearances for the Seasiders before missing out due to injury. This isn’t Sterling’s only successful loan spell to date as the English defender also played 40 games in the 2018/19 season while on loan at Coventry City, who were playing in League One at the time.
After years of Chelsea fans wondering when the club would make use of its pristine academy, Thomas Tuchel has proven to be a manager willing to give younger players a chance. If current reports are to be believed then Dujon Sterling may be the next player to make the step up from the academy/loan army system to the first team, even if that is only as a backup to Reece James.
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