3 reasons why Nathaniel Chalobah must start for Chelsea against West Ham
Antonio Conte certainly seems to rate Chelsea starlet Nathaniel Chalobah…
After disappearing on a series of disappointing loans over the last few years, Chalobah has been brought back into the first-team fold by Antonio Conte – and he has duly repaid the faith.
A couple of impressive substitute appearances from the young English midfielder have proven that he has the talent – and now all he needs is an opportunity.
A few short showcases have been enough to prove how good he is, but a game from the start could provide Chalobah with a platform from which to prove that he is ready to play every week for Chelsea – and that process should start against West Ham in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
With that said, here are 3 reasons why Nathaniel Chalobah must start for Chelsea against West Ham
A Point To Prove
Nathaniel Chalobah has been given a taste of Premier League football – but he will now be raring to go from the start.
He has a point to prove to Antonio Conte. The Italian has brought him back into the Chelsea first team fold – and he will be keen to prove to him that it was the right decision.
Managers like Jose Mourinho and those before him have passed on the young Englishman in favour of big money foreign investments – and Chalobah will also want to prove to them that they made a bad decision.
Deserved
There is no denying this one: Nathaniel Chalobah absolutely deserves a chance to impress.
Whether you consider the hard work he has put in during various years on loan, or the fact that he has bided his time so far this season – or the more immediate fact that he has impressed when given a chance this season – Chalobah deserves an opportunity.
He has done all the right things for Conte – and the Italian must reward him for his hard work.
Squad Rotation
Getting a starting role on Wednesday won’t just benefit Chalobah – but it will also benefit the rest of the Chelsea squad.
Both N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic have played nearly every game for the Blues so far this season – and giving Chalobah a chance will give them a much-deserved rest.
The games are coming thick and fast, and Conte needs to ensure that he is rotating his squad. Chalobah is the perfect man to come in for either Kante or Matic.