Once regarded as one of England’s top midfield prospects, to a season where he seemed a forgotten man, Nathaniel Chalobah hasn’t had it easy in recent times.

A stand out player and captain of the 2012 FA Youth Cup winning side and featuring on the bench for Chelsea only aged 15, Chalobah proceeded to follow the trend of many Chelsea youth players and complete a series of loan moves, varying in success. From the 30 yard screamer Kasper Schmeichel claimed he never saw for Watford, and featuring 42 times in a side managed by Gianfranco Zola, Chalobah’s latest move to Napoli saw him feature only 9 times in a somewhat forgettable season for the young blue.

Chalobah is a strong, agile central midfielder with a fantastic eye for a long ball. His ability to win the ball back seems so fresh for a Chelsea side that was sluggish in midfield last season. He brings new ideas to a team that needs them. Whether it was his goal against WAC RZ Pellets, or his 40 yard volleyed assist for Eden Hazard against Real Madrid (video below), the player is turning heads of many Chelsea fans and has also caught his managers eye, who has already used the player frequently this pre-season.

Featuring in all four of Chelsea’s friendlies so far, Chalobah has accumulated 132 minutes on the pitch. More than half the amount what he played in the whole of last season. All four of his appearances have come off the bench which makes me wonder that he might be currently lacking the fitness to start, but with 2 pre season games to go, Chalobah looks like he is worthy of a place in Conte’s squad next season.

At 1.85 metres, Chalobah stands tall, but is an agile player with some pace about him. His strengths are clearly his vision and intercepting. He is versatile meaning he can play anywhere between central midfield to centre half naturally, even though he is usually deployed in a deep lying playmaker role in the heart of the pivot. The 21 year old seems to show little weaknesses, his first touch has sometimes been poor, but this is usually common for a player in pre season.

When figures of 100 million pounds plus floating around for a strong, mobile midfielder in Paul Pogba, the future seems bright for a player who looks just as promising in Nathaniel Chalobah. Expect to see him in action again tonight when Chelsea play AC Milan in Minnesota.

KTBFFH.

Nathaniel Chalobah Pre Season 2016 – Appearances – 0(4). Minutes played – 132 Minutes. Assists – 1. Goals – 1.