Last week provided many opportunities for the Chelsea loanees, especially Strasbourg midfielder Andrey Santos who captained the Ligue 1 side for the first time in a tough fixture away to Champions League hopefuls, Nice; a game in which Blues loanee goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic also featured. Elsewhere other names such as Raheem Sterling, Lesley Ugochukwu and Trevor Chalobah all gained Premier League minutes while David Datro Fofana, Alfie Gilchrist and Romelu Lukaku picked up important playing time.
Chelsea Loan Report: Andrey Santos Captains Strasbourg
Andrey Santos – Strasbourg
Brazilian prospect, Andrey Santos, received the captaincy of Strasbourg from his manager, Liam Rosenior, which has shocked many fans due to Santos’ young age, 20. But the Strasbourg boss has backed his decision to make Santos captain for the fixture after the game stating that: “I felt Andrey was the right choice. He didn’t do the armband any disservice at all”. Rosenior also went on to say how he feels Santos was “great” and “always trains at 100%”.
Read More: Chelsea Goalkeeper Dilemma: Robert Sanchez Vs Rivals In Focus
Even while having the pressure of the armband at just 20, Santos went on to put in a strong display with 11 duels won, seven tackles, three key passes, three fouls won, 100% accurate long balls and a 7.7 match rating according to Sofascore. The game ended in a 2-1 defeat for Strasbourg, who fielded the youngest Ligue 1 side in 75 years, but Santos will hold his head high after a solid performance and will surely be looking to steal one of the midfield spots at Stamford Bridge next season.
Djordje Petrovic – Strasbourg
Blues loanee Petrovic also featured for Strasbourg against Nice. The Serbian conceded two goals but put in a good overall performance, receiving a 7.3 match rating from Sofascore; making four saves in the match. Many Chelsea fans are calling for his return and the Blues seem to have “left the door open” for his Premier League return.
Raheem Sterling – Arsenal
Sterling had an instant impact off the bench for Arsenal in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest this weekend. The winger played just eight minutes but managed an assist for The Gunners, setting up youngster Ethan Nwaneri for his first Premier League goal. Arsenal will want to see more of this form from the Englishman and so does Sterling himself, who will hope to prove Enzo Maresca wrong for casting him out of West London.
Lesley Ugochukwu – Southampton
Ugochukwu has struggled for form in the Premier League for Southampton. The Frenchman was subbed on in his usual central midfield role in the 52nd minute, just four minutes before The Saints took a 2-1 lead at home to Liverpool.
Read More: ‘Opinion: The Next Neymar Provides Chelsea’s Long-Term Noni Madueke Solution’
Ugochukwu’s happiness was short-lived as The Reds came back to win 2-3 at Saint Mary’s. The young midfielder did complete 100% of his passes, two successful dribbles and three ground duels won. An improved performance on an individual level, but the Saints are yet to see the more creative side to his game.
Trevor Chalobah – Crystal Palace
Chalobah was sent to Crystal Palace on loan by Maresca, much to the displeasure of many Chelsea fans but the move has helped him flourish on a personal level. The English centre-back has been a staple in The Eagles starting lineup and has been praised as a “very good player” by the Crystal Palace manager, Oliver Glasner.
Read More: ‘Moises Caicedo Form Unlocked: Romeo Lavia Could Be The Perfect Partner’
He accumulated the full 90 minutes in their tough 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa as a right-sided centre back in a defensive three where he made three clearances and three blocks as well as two interceptions.
David Datro Fofana – Goztepe
Fofana was subbed on in the 72nd minute this weekend. Goztepe faced a huge away game vs Turkish league giants Besiktas. The game ended 2-4 with Fofana grabbing the third goal in the 82nd minute. Making a darting run through the middle of the pitch, Fofana was found with a ball from the left-hand side.
The Ivorian held off the defender while dribbling the ball into the box and poked a cute finish past the keeper into the bottom left corner. The striker showed great composure and outperformed his 0.38xg. Goztepe moved level on points with Besiktas but lead on the table on goal difference, sitting fifth.
Alfie Gilchrist – Sheffield United
Gilchrist started at right back for Sheffield United in their 2-2 away draw to Coventry City. Sheffield sit third in the Championship, level on points with league leaders Leeds. The young Englishman played the full 90 minutes and was solid for The Blades. Gilchrist made seven clearances, two tackles and one block in the clash vs Coventry.
Read More: ‘Liverpool Loan Report: International Opportunities For Reds Youngsters’
The Chelsea loanee also received heavy praise after the game from ex-England international Carlton Palmer who believes Gilchrist “has done fantastically well” and it would be a “no brainer” for Sheffield to make the loan permanent.
