Young midfielder backs himself to succeed at Chelsea despite competition for places
Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne could be one of the club’s surprise packages this season as he believes he has what it takes to break into the first team.
The Belgian youngster has performed well for the Blues during the pre season following a great campaign with Werder Bremen and a number of impressive performances on the international stage.
I believe he could be one to watch this season and there are many Chelsea fans that are hoping he gets the chances he’s earned. Apart from Juan Mata and Eden Hazard there is no guaranteed places in our midfield, and Mata may even be rested for the early league games as he had a busy summer with the Confederations Cup. There’s definitely a window of opportunity for De Bruyne to make a name for himself and there’s also the sheer number of games we play throughout the season, so rotation is to be expected.
Last season De Bruyne scored 10 and made 10 assists for Werder Bremen in 33 appearances and was courted by the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Dortmund earlier in the summer, but it seems he’s very much a part of Jose Mourinho’s plans and is highly thought of at the club. He’s a versatile player and arguably a better fit than the likes of Victor Moses or new boy Andre Schurrle in the current system and it will be the aforementioned, along with Oscar, that he’d have to compete with for playing time.
He is fully away of the depth and competition in the squad but won’t let it faze him and believes that his versatility could help tip the balance for him.
On his chances of breaking into the first XI this season, De Bruyne said:
“I know that the squad is packed with quality and that competition for places is intense but I also know that I can do it.
“I’m a very confident person. During pre-season training, I was able to show what I could bring to the team — that was important.
“My versatility should play in my favour and the fact that Jose Mourinho has been speaking to me regularly has made things easier.”
De Bruyne will have to take things by the scruff of the neck when his chances come along if he wants to play regularly for the Blues but the competition facing him should also help spur him on, forcing him to be a better player. I have high hopes for the 22-year-old and think the understanding between Belgian trio Hazard, De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku could be something special for years to come.
Source: Evening Standard