Chelsea are notorious for hoarding talent and shipping them out on loan. Oftentimes, they are never seen again, but some have the quality to make a difference for Antonio Conte’s side not just in the future, but right now.
Chelsea News have chosen three players that have been sent out on loan by the Blues and could join up with the first team next campaign.
Charly Musonda
The 20-year-old Belgian made the step up into professional season in January, joining Real Betis until the end of the season. He made 16 appearances and scored his first ever goal during 2-2 draw with Deportivo de La Coruna. Musonda is a tricky winger, whose playing style is comparable to Eden Hazard. He could certainly be of use to Conte as a wildcard, with neither of Pedro or Willian being able to nail down the right-wing spot.
Lewis Baker
Baker has taken to professional football like a fish to water. After brief stints at Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons, he became the latest Chelsea youngster to join Vitesse. In his first season, he scored five Eredivisie goals in 31 appearances. He has already matched that tally this term, in 19 fewer games. He has the unusual quality of have two strong feet, and takes set-pieces with whatever foot is appropriate to the angle. He also has a habit of scoring some absolute worldies, perhaps one day he’ll be scoring them in front of the Stamford Bridge crowd.
Andreas Christensen
During his loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, Christensen has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in the Bundesliga – it’s easy to forget that he is only 20-years-old. His spell in Germany has provided invaluable experience at the top level of club football. He was also named Gladbach’s player of the season for the 2015/16 campaign, a testament to his quality and consistency. With Antonio Conte recently switching to a 3-4-3 system at the Bridge, it has increased the chances of the Denmark international finding game-time. The Chelsea faithful will no doubt be hoping to see him back at the club next year.
Honourable mentions: Tammy Abraham, Bertrand Traore, Baba Rahman, Nathan Ake and Kenedy.
