Who is Lewis Baker? 3 things you need to know about Chelsea’s latest loan star
Chelsea have a host of young players that are clamouring for a chance in the first team…
The breakout Chelsea starlet of 2016 has, undoubtedly, been Tammy Abraham – who has started the season on fire with Bristol Rovers.
However, there is another young Chelsea star that has been quietly going about his business on loan – and his name is Lewis Baker.
Baker is currently in his second year with Vitesse in the Netherlands, and this season looks set to be his best year yet.
He has become a key part of the Vitesse setup – and he could find himself back in the Chelsea first team next season.
With that said, here are 3 things you need to know about Chelsea’s latest loan star – Lewis Baker.
Style of Play
Lewis Baker is everything that you want from an attacking midfielder.
He is quick, technical, skilful, pacey – he really has it all. He is also not afraid to track back, which is a trait that Antonio Conte seemingly rates very highly.
Despite his slight frame, Baker is also fairly robust on the ball – and is very difficult to dispossess.
His time in the Netherlands has undoubtedly helped him develop, given that their style of play is often faster and more technical.
If Antonio Conte is looking for a technically gifted attacking midfielder – Baker is his man.
Set Piece Master
Consistent set piece delivery is something that Chelsea have lacked in recent years – and Lewis Baker delivers it in droves.
Willian was decent last season, but he has largely faltered from dead ball situations this year – whilst Lewis Baker has consistently been putting free kicks away on a near bi-weekly basis.
It isn’t just free-kicks either. Baker is an expert from a corner, and Chelsea have really struggled getting past the first man over the last few weeks.
Set pieces are, arguably, the weakest part of Chelsea’s game – and Baker would solve that problem entirely.
Two-Footed
The main selling point.
Very rarely do you come across a player that is genuinely two-footed – but Baker absolutely is.
Much like Santi Cazorla at Arsenal, Baker is able to take set pieces with either foot – which by itself is very impressive.
But his real threat comes when given a shooting opportunity. His moves are so difficult to predict as he can genuinely put the ball anywhere.
This also makes him versatile, as he’s able to cut in from either side without issue.
Could he be Chelsea’s Cazorla? Absolutely.