Oliver Miller takes a look at whether Vitesse’s loan relationship with Chelsea could be a problem in the long run.
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As everyone knows, Chelsea and Vitesse have a very strong bond. Over the last few seasons Chelsea have been loaning out their promising youngsters to Vitesse in an attempt to strengthen their ability, and provide them with first team football. Of course, this has advantages for both sides. Chelsea have a foundation in which they can test their young talent in a highly competitive environment and Vitesse get very talented players without any cost whatsoever.
This season, Vitesse have taken full advantage of the loan system that has been put in place and have managed to obtain six Chelsea players on-loan up until January. The start of the January transfer window started fresh speculation as to who could potentially move over to the Eredivisie from Chelsea. The first edition came as early as the 2nd January when Bertand Traore joined. He had finally been granted a work permit which allowed him to sign for Chelsea. He was then shipped out to Holland to join the rest of the Chelsea talent. However, Sam Hutchinson and Gael Kakuta were both recalled by their parent club.
First of all, what should Vitesse be expecting from young Traore? Well, he travelled with the Chelsea first-team squad on their pre-season tour of Asia and put in some stellar performances, scoring twice and showing that he had real ability for such a young player. He’s quick and skilful.He has the ability to pick a pass as well as an eye for goal. He is very confident in possession and this can either lead to moments of magic or frustration. With Traore still learning at the tender age of 18, a spell in the Vitesse first team should do him the world of good.
The big worry is that Vitesse could soon become too reliable on Chelsea and this could lead to a downfall in young homegrown talent coming through into the first-team. The latest name that came through at Vitesse was Marco van Ginkel, who now plays for Chelsea, but will there be another player that will reach the heights of Van Ginkel? Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised to see van Ginkel turn out for Vitesse again, on a loan deal from Chelsea.
It’s no longer common place in football to fill vacant positions with young talent from within the club. Vitesse appear to be filling the gaps with Chelsea loanees and it seems to be working. Lucas Piazon has become a cult hero in Arnhem with his dazzling performances, with Patrick van Aanholt following suit. The addition of Traore spells a problem for the Vitesse squad. They already have two very talented wingers in the form of Chanturia and Ibarra. Both will be hoping that the introduction of Traore to the squad will not affect their playing time. Chanturia only seems to be getting games from the bench, and has only made seven appearances altogether this season, probably due Piazon’s decent performances. There are many players who’s position could come under threat should Vitesse bring in any more Chelsea talent. Players like Josh McEachran, Tomas Kalas and Nathaniel Chalobah are all available in January and Chelsea are surely keen to loan them out.
Only time will tell whether Vitesse are going to be affected by what seems to be, a good situation for them in the short term. What can be said though, is that they now have to be careful that they don’t turn into a Chelsea ‘B’ team. However, one thing that is certain is that without the Chelsea loanees, Vitesse wouldn’t be where they are in the table now. A promising season lies ahead.
This is exactly why ajax is one of the best teams in the world. they are not afraid to give their own players a chance. and just like de boer said in this transfer window – he will trust in the academy.
I would rather that than loan ola john for a few months. although i would like to elia or afellay come on loan. i think they would benefit greatly from the ajax way of playing.