Danny Drinkwater has endured a frustrating time at Chelsea so far, starting no competitive games last season, as he was frozen out by former boss Maurizio Sarri. However, with Frank Lampard now at the helm, the England international’s career could now be back on track. Lampard gave an interview saying that every fringe player would get a clean slate under him, and would get the chance to impress him.
This news will be a joy to the ears of Drinkwater, who could find himself thrust in the first-team sooner rather than later. Chelsea open the season away to Manchester United and starting Drinkwater in a tough away game could just be a brilliant move from Lampard.
Drinkwater’s last full season of football was his final season with Leicester City and his defensive statistics from that season trump both Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley from last season.
During the 2016/2017 season, Drinkwater averaged more than Barkley and Kovacic managed last season, in every single defensive department, including fouls made per game which you could argue shows a high level of energy and commitment.
As well as trumping both Barkley and Kovacic, Tiemoue Bakayoko’s future looks to be less than certain, with reported interest from French champions Paris Saint-Germain. Bakayoko has never looked comf0rtable at Chelsea, and with a move back to his home country seemingly on the horizon, he could leave Drinkwater with a chance of starting more often next season.
Drinkwater could also link up with his former Leicester City teammate N’Golo Kante. The duo enjoyed a magnificent time together in the middle of the Foxes midfield as they won the title together in 2015/2016.
It’s clear for all to see that Drinkwater was unfairly treated last season, however, Lampard’s appointment could breathe new life into his soulless Chelsea career. With Barkley and Kovacic not impressing enough, Bakayoko seemingly on his way out, and Chelsea facing a tough opening game, Drinkwater could find himself in action on the opening day of the season.