Chelsea’s Kakuta Attracting Attention
Versatile Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta has caught the eye of a couple of Premier League clubs, namely Newcastle and Spurs.
Having failed in their bid to get Stewart Downing, Spurs are after a decent option on the left and with Kinnear describing his own left-sided option (N’Zogbia) as “insomnia”, it’s fair to say he’s looking for someone a little more lively down that particular wing as well. So, for both clubs, the highly rated Chelsea winger fits the bill.
Kakuta joined Chelsea over a year ago from Lens and in his first year was voted Academy Scholar of the Year by staff and peers. His first year also saw him finish our youth top scorer with 12 goals from 20 games. The start of this season saw him out with hamstring trouble but he was soon back in form, scoring in the FA Youth Cup win against Manchester United. He’s also played in our reserves and was named in the senior squad against Stoke this month.
The 17 year-old is a pretty skilled wideman and although usually seen on the left wing, his versatility allows him to play attacking midfield and up front. Hardly surprising then that the French Under-17 international has been tipped as a player to watch for the future along with Miroslav Stoch.
Chelsea team-mate, Frank Lampard suggests “I think Kakuta stands out for his ability. His natural talent for someone who is just 16 (17 now Frank), is amazing and Stoch is also impressive. Playing on the big occasions at the big stadiums is what it’s all about and this will give them a taste. They just have to make sure they don’t freeze, and I have every confidence in them.”
The suggestion is that Chelsea would only let Kakuta go on a short term loan, so whoever gets him better make the most of him.
Filed under: Current Players, Rants, Rumours
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No thank you. When was the last time a player that we loaned out made it to the first team? Just from the last 3 years I can think of at least half a dozen supposed mega-talents that went to a club at a lower level and didn’t make it with us. I reckon this kid is one to blood ourselves. He’s our biggest youth talent and I think that any progress he makes at Premiership level should be right in front of the Stamford Bridge crowd and more importantly, mere feet from the manager.
That’s a good point Jonathan and in an ideal world thats exactly what should happen but can you honestly see that happening at Chelsea? How many of our youngsters get that sort of chance?
cfcfcfc- there was a story ran about this on Thursday, can’t remember the source now although there’s no reason to suspect a player like Kakuta wouldn’t be sought after. I’m only surprised there isnt more interest in him.
If this guy is good enough to play for other Premiership teams, why not Chelsea ? But this illustrates Scolari’s biggest fault. He seems sh*t scared to blood young players. Mancienne is good enough to play for England but week in week out we get Alex (remember the pass back and missed header at Southend?!). Then there is Di Santo who was very unlucky not to get he winner against southend at the Bridge. And Stoch who looks particularly lively and Scott Sinclair who has been on the verge of the first team for longer than I can remember. Perhaps if Scolari were to freshen things up with these young players and drop the likes of Deco and Malousa, I am certain it would give us the boost we so desperately need at the moment.
Matt - Its not just Scolari though is it? How many of our recent managers have given youngsters a genuine opportunity? Im not so sure Scott Sinclair will make that step up but I totally agree with you on Mancienne, Stoch, Di Santo and Kakuta. We’ve got some real potential at Chelsea and its time we started giving them the chance to become our future stars.
‘Tis a story that makes dreams come true for the fantasists - (not you Chelsea D LOL)
Gael is rediscovering his form after his injury worries and he along with Frank Nouble, Fabio Borini are pivotal to Chelsea’s FA Youth Cup chances this season. After losing the final to Money Citeh last season, the Academy will WANT to win it this season and we have the away tie at Liverpool on Thursday nite to win - and without Gael, that job will be made more difficult.