Chelsea 17/18 flop has become pantomime villain, can still perform U-turn amid reported interest
COMMENT
Midfield destroyer Tiemoue Bakayoko certainly didn’t enjoy the first season with Chelsea he intended and has definitely flopped since he arrived from Monaco last summer.
The Frenchman was expected to become an instant fan favourite at Stamford Bridge after helping Monaco win the Ligue 1 title in style.
He is a powerhouse central midfielder that has surprisingly struggled in English football and become a bit of a pantomime villain with supporters.
Bakayoko found himself out of the starting XI for large spells, with the combination of N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas ahead of him.
He finishes the campaign with three goals and three assists in 43 appearances, but it’s his lack of defensive discipline that has disappointed.
Some supporters wouldn’t mind him leaving in the summer and the Daily Mail reports that his signature will be targeted from Premier League and European teams his summer.
However, the Blues should knock back any potential bids and he deserves another crack in Antonio Conte’s side.
There have been numerous examples of players riding a difficult first season in England before becoming world beater.
The 23-year-old certainly has time on his side to mature his game and he definitely deserves the shot to prove all his doubters wrong.
He managed to start creeping in a few solid performances to suggest he is slowly beginning to adapt and he is one to watch out for next season.
In other Chelsea news, the club must fast-track this loan star to the first team next season.
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