Lesley Ugochukwu did not think twice when Chelsea came calling
According to Le Parisien, French midfield sensation Lesley Ugochukwu has opened up on his move to Chelsea in the recently concluded summer transfer window. The 19-year-old joined the Stamford Bridge outfit from Stade Rennes in the summer of 2023 after a string of impressive performances for the Ligue 1 side.
Primarily a centre-back, Ugochukwu is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder when needed. This is good news for the Blues as he has showcased the skills of a modern defender in bringing the ball out into play from the back. It should help Mauricio Pochettino as he attempts to instil a new culture of winning in west London.
Chelsea’s decision to splash out around €30 million for the youngster’s services was questionable at the time. Fe would have heard of the young Frenchman who is yet more of a mystery for several fans given the infusion of higher-profile youth talents into our setup.
Given his relative inexperience and the need to further hone his prodigious talent, few could question if Ugochukwu make the move to Stamford Bridge too soon in his career. The player, for his part, thinks otherwise and believes clubs like Chelsea don’t often come knocking twice.
“When someone tells me you are young, why did you go to Chelsea, I answer that there are trains that don’t pass twice.”
He joined Benoit Badiashile, Wesly Fofana and Axel Disasi in a Chelsea backline that has a distinctly French flavour. While the 19-year-old is still low down in the pecking order, that could change should he continue to impress the reserves and youth sides.
Ugochukwu’s comments are promising from a Chelsea perspective given his commitment. He appears keen to impress and having made the move will be eager to make an impression. We need ambitious players who are not afraid tot ake the challenge head-on and view playing for the club as an honour.
It helps us instil not just a talented football team but also one that has the stomach for a fight and uphold the honour of the badge and the club. The time is now for Ugochukwu to put his performances where his mouth is and rise through the ranks at Chelsea.
More Chelsea News
- Ben Jacobs reveals Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to leave Chelsea after making the loan move to Real Madrid
- Gary Cahill reveals Chelsea need core player to turn their fortunes around
- Agent of Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku blames Saudi Pro League for hampering striker’s summer exit
Chelsea have several talented youth players in their ranks and could be set for the upcoming decade if they all develop as expected. It appears to be a policy of the survival of the fittest and time will tell whether Ugochukwu will be one of the standout additions.