Chelsea welcomed Tottenham to a sunny Staines as they looked to climb the U21 Premier League. It was an all English starting line-up named by Adi Viveash which featured the likes of Dominic Solanke and Ruben Loftus Cheek who have both featured for the first team this season. Chelsea and Tottenham started the game 9th and 6th respectively in what is a closely contested U21 Premier League. Here are our four findings from the game.
Physical presence
Something the first team have prided themselves on over the past years is their physical presence. They have always boasted a strength from set pieces and a strong team. The U21’s are no different, it was telling against a smaller and more agile Tottenham side. It is a great trait for the players to have and will stand them in good stead as they look to fight for a first team place. Chelsea were quick to utilise this and often looked for Isaiah Brown in aerial battles. The Blues were resilient in defence throughout the second half. Tottenham were much the better side in the second half but could not find a way through the Blue’s defence, something that was made much easier from the contrast in size of the two teams.
Wide area’s pivotal in attack
Both Mitchell and Brown looked very lively throughout the first half. Mitchell was one of the main attacking threats from Chelsea throughout the first half, often getting the beating of USA’s World Cup star De Andre Yedlin. Mitchell was quick to beat his man and whip in a dangerous ball. Tottenham’s defence left Solanke isolated for large periods of the game, the movement of Brown and Mitchell was impressive and helped Solanke find space in what was a tightly contested game. The ability to stretch the Tottenham defence as well as cut inside for a sight of goal proved very useful in the both halfs, despite not being able to find a goal.
Colkett’s exceptional vision
Charlie Colkett can quite easily go under the radar in this U21’s side, whilst others have been catching the headlines with their involvement with the senior side. Colkett goes about his business on the pitch in a very intelligent matter. He showed exceptional vision throughout the game, often looking to utilise the attacking full backs in Dabo and Da Silva. As well as this he consistently found space for Mitchell to attack as he had the beating of Yedlin. He always looked the most likely source of an opening in attack and played with an air of class about his game.
Loans are needed
There comes a stage in every player’s career where they need to move on in order to improve and further their careers. The concept of the U21 Premier League has been a great success and certainly has aided in many young players careers, but it does not compare to competitive league football. On a number of occasions, today’s game lacked any real tempo or intention. Whereas on a loan move, the player will be forced into different scenario’s which will add a more competitive nature. Players such as Solanke and Brown have both done and achieved great things in the U21’s but can risk staying in the U21’s for too long and their development stagnating. A loan move into the football league could heighten their potential and aid their fight to push for a first team place, similarly to what Patrick Bamford has done.
