Chelsea showing all the right signs before start of season - 7M sport

Chelsea showing all the right signs before start of season



Posted Thursday, July 30, 2015 by ESPN

It is always dangerous to read too much into preseason performances, whether they happen to be good or bad. The lower level of intensity compared to competitive matches, the experimental lineups and the markedly less stringent officiating make them little more than exhibition matches. Although they might be irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, it is still possible to glean some useful pointers as the start of the new campaign approaches.

Chelsea's preseason fixture list has been relatively sparse, which is perhaps a reaction to the fatigue that set in toward the end of last season and the prospect of fighting on several fronts for the next nine months. It has, however, proved to be rather intense, with the latest keen contest seeing the Blues defeat European champions Barcelona on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Washington, D.C. The match was the hackneyed game of two halves with Chelsea bossing the first 45 minutes before Barcelona asserted themselves after the break in a highly enjoyable game.

The locals might have been disappointed that Lionel Messi was rested by the Catalans, but in Eden Hazard they saw a magician playing to a similar level to the Argentinian genius. The Belgian mesmerised both the crowd and the Barcelona defenders, with the crowning moment his spellbinding goal when he beat a host of players before slotting the ball into the bottom corner. It was one of those nights when he was simply unstoppable and he led the opposition on a merry dance for the 68 minutes that he was on the pitch. With the double player of the year seemingly carrying on from where he left off last season, his form already looks ominously good ahead of the big kickoff.

Chelsea showing all the right signs before start of season
Reigning Premier League player of the season Eden Hazard was in fine form during Chelsea's preseason friendly versus Barcelona.

Where one might expect a player of Hazard's exceptional quality to shine, it was gratifying to see a less well-known individual showcase his promise. Kenedy is not even officially a Chelsea player as of yet, though his display on Wednesday night will have removed any doubt over pursuing his acquisition. The 19-year-old Brazilian was a bundle of energy at both ends of the field, combining his direct running with defensive diligence. Had Hazard's through ball been just a shade further in front of the Brazilian, Kenedy might have capped his first appearance with a goal. With the button about to be pressed on a £6.3 million move from Fluminense, the only remaining concern is whether he will be granted a work permit. On the basis of this performance, manager Jose Mourinho's confidence that it will go through appears justified.

In defence, the standout individual was undoubtedly Kurt Zouma, who enjoyed a good tussle with Luis Suarez all evening. They both won their fair share of the duels, but the fact that the young Frenchman gave the slippery Uruguayan as good as he got bodes well for the future. His versatility was also highlighted when he was pushed out to left back, where he embarked on one rampaging run into opposition territory, before filling back in at centre back following Gary Cahill's bloody nose.

Nathaniel Chalobah was the person to replace Cahill, taking over from Zouma at left back. Usually deployed centrally, whether in defence or midfield, the perennial loanee did an able job in an unfamiliar position during the final few minutes. His future is unlikely to be at full-back, but his ability to slot in effectively will have caught the manager's eye.



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