Chelsea have sent over twenty five different players out on loan this season. Some have caught the headlines with some excellent performances, whilst others have failed to reach the heights expected of them. A number of players could be experiencing their first taste of league football, whilst others look to make a lasting impression to force their way into the current squad.
Patrick Bamford
After successful loan spells in League One, Bamford made the step up to the Championship with ease. After an impressive end to last season with Derby County, Middlesbrough have taken Bamford for the course of the 2014-15 season. The striker has continued to do what he has always done and scored goals. He is currently on nineteen goals for the season in all competitions and has recently been nominated in a three man shortlist for the Football League Player of the Year award. His goals have helped facilitate Middlesbrough’s promotion bid.
Should Bamford win either the Player of the year award or promotion to the Premiership with Middlesbrough, he would have done all there is to do in the Football League. After making progression year on year, Bamford looks ready to grace the Premier League. If Middlesbrough do go on to win promotion, the chances are very likely that Bamford will remain at Middlesbrough for another year. Should Middlesbrough fail to win promotion, a loan in the Premiership will remain the likely destination. Next season will be the biggest test for Bamford, can he step up on the biggest stage?
Bertrand Traore
Bertrand Traore was a relatively unknown signing, he joined Chelsea are impressing on a trial during last season’s pre-season tour. Since signing for the Blue’s he has joined Vitesse on loan for the remainder of the season. Traore has impressed of late in the Eredivise, he has shown versatility by impressing on the wing and through the middle.
Traore has scored eleven goals so far and is soon becoming one of the stand out performers in the Dutch league. Traore has shown his potential and shown signs of fulfilling it. For me, the next step is for him to perform in a more competitive league. Eredivise provides a great platform and opportunity for these loan players to begin their careers but he must now move on and continue to grow. Bundesliga or the Serie A could be likely destinations for Traore, whilst a Premiership loan move has been rumoured, I believe that could be one step too soon.
Marco Van Ginkel
The situation surrounding Marco Van Ginkel is a slightly strange one. It is almost like we don’t quite know the level he has currently at. After he was signed from Vitesse, he arrived at Stamford Bridge with a bundle of potential. Within months of his Chelsea career, he suffered a horrific injury which dampened his development and kept him out for almost the entire season. This season Van Ginkel has been loaned out to an AC Milan side that aren’t quite the European giants they once were.
Van Ginkel has endured a mix spell at Milan and it has been reported that the Italian side pulled out of a deal to sign the midfielder come the end of the season. It is looking likely that Van Ginkel will return to Chelsea, whether he departs on another loan remains unclear. Van Ginkel could be used to bolster the squad next season but with Jose Mourinho confirming that Ruben Loftus Cheek will be fighting for a place in the squad, he may be moved on.
Nathaniel Chalobah
Nathaniel Chalobah is another young promising English midfielder that just hasn’t enjoyed the best of times whilst out on loan. Chalobah started the season on loan at Sean Dyche’s Burnley, however he failed to make an impact and game time was very limited. As a result of this he joined Reading in the January, managed by former Chelsea assistant Steve Clarke. Chalobah has impressed in the Championship despite struggling with a few niggling injuries.
Steve Clarke has made good progress at Reading, he has spoken of his intent to aim for the play off’s next season. Another loan season at Reading could be likely for Chalobah, who have also recently taken Nathan Aké on loan too. A full season in the Championship would really enhance the development of the pair, not to mention the fact they would be playing together. If Middlesbrough do succeed in their promotion bid, we could see Reading become the team used in the Championship to send out a number of our younger players.
