Ugbo has made an impressive start to life in Dutch second division. Only two players have scored more league goals than the 21-year-old so far this campaign in the second tier, so the official Chelsea website felt it was a good time to catch up with the young striker to discuss his first loan spell abroad, dealing with the pressure of leading the attack and working closely with a former Blues centre-forward.

Ugbo signed for Chelsea as an Under-10 and spent much of his formative years in our Academy playing in a number of different positions. It was only at the age of 15 that he nailed down a spot up front and his goalscoring record for our youngsters was impressive as he helped fire us to junior silverware.

His 10 goals in the 2016/17 FA Youth Cup, including six in the semi-final and final, were a key part of Jody Morris’s side retaining the trophy, while he also picked up a winner’s medal in the UEFA Youth League and Under-18 Premier League. After loans in the Championship and League One, it was announced this summer that he would be spending the 2019/20 season at Roda JC. They are currently 13th and Ugbo has scored 45 per cent of their league goals.

Firstly Ike, how are you finding life in the Netherlands? This is your fourth loan but a first abroad…

I’m really enjoying it. I feel like it’s one of the best starts I’ve had to a loan and you can see that with my performances and goals.



You’ve played in the Championship and League One, as well as many years in the Chelsea Academy, but how does life in the Dutch league compare to those experiences?

It’s really different, more technical and there’s a lot of that kind of stuff that I have to focus on. The physical side is not as much and we don’t have as many games, we don’t play twice a week as often, so it’s really bringing out a different side to my game.