Conte should definitely recall these 2 on loan Chelsea defenders – agreed?
Whilst Chelsea are currently struggling defensively, the Blues have an army of young defenders currently on loan that could seriously do a job for Antonio Conte…
Much has been made of Chelsea’s reliance on the loan system, with the majority of the Blues best young talents sent out year-after-year in order to gain first team experience.
Loans make sense if a player isn’t going to get into the first-team – but there are several players in Chelsea’s loan army that could fill a huge gap in Antonio Conte’s current squad.
They might not be getting the game time that they require on loan, or they could even come straight back into the Chelsea first team – but they could, undeniably, do a job for Conte in some way.
With that said, Conte should definitely recall these 2 on loan Chelsea defenders – agreed?
Nathan Ake
Nathan Ake looked ready for a Chelsea first team spot a couple of years ago, with Rafael Benitez often choosing to utilise the young Dutchman en route to winning the Europa League in 2013.
Able to play across the defence and in central midfield, Ake looked like the perfect jack-of-all-trades for the Blues – but he has been lost in the loan shuffle as of late.
Ake had a good season on loan with Watford last season, but a spell with Bournemouth this season isn’t really working out – and in truth the Blues could really do with a bit more defensive depth.
He looked ready for the Chelsea first team a couple of years ago, and sitting on the bench isn’t going to help his development – especially at a club like Bournemouth.
At Chelsea he would get occasional game time as well as an opportunity to play alongside some of Europe’s best.
Jake Clarke-Salter
Jake Clarke-Salter, like several of Chelsea’s loanees, is currently spending time in Bristol – and is on loan with Bristol Rovers.
Clarke-Salter is a strong, technical central defender – and he has proven his quality throughout Chelsea’s developmental system.
He made a partial first team breakthrough last season, but experience was deemed necessary and a loan deal was established – but the Blues could really do with having him back at Stamford Bridge.
Loans are all well and good, but the opportunity to play alongside a player like John Terry will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youngster.
His quick, technical and stable defensive style of play would suit Conte’s 3-4-3 system perfectly.