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Tammy Abraham exposes the benefits of Chelsea’s loan army

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Tammy Abraham of Bristol City during the EFL Cup match between Wycombe Wanderers and Bristol City at Adams Park on August 8, 2016 in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Tammy Abraham of Bristol City during the EFL Cup match between Wycombe Wanderers and Bristol City at Adams Park on August 8, 2016 in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Tammy Abraham is off to a flying start with Bristol City. His stint so far is a prime example of how Chelsea’s loan system can benefit the players within it.

Chelsea’s loan policy has been the subject of much debate in recent years. The club regularly have over 30 players out on loan (this season’s figure is 38) with the aim of providing the players with football, or increasing their value before they are sold. The system has come under fierce criticism, but Tammy Abraham is showing the benefits of it.

The striker was shipped off to Bristol City this summer. The move initially drew the ire of some fans, with fellow Pride Of London writer George Perry claiming that he deserves better. However, he has taken the opportunity with both hands.

Abraham has scored eight goals in just nine competitive appearances thus far this season. The striker has taken the Championship by storm, terrorising defences. His great form continued on Tuesday night as he bagged a brace against Sheffield Wednesday.

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Bristol City have failed to effectively capitalise on the efforts of their front man, winning just three of their opening seven league games. Nonetheless, his performances are exactly what a club wants to see from a player on loan.

While there was initial frustration at the fact that Abraham was not kept with the Chelsea first-team, critics will now find it hard to dispute the benefits of the move.

The Englishman has played every game for the Robins, fulfilling the first requirement to make a loan switch successful. Moreover, he has thrived in the environment, seizing the chance. Abraham has fully viewed this as an opportunity to impress and he has done just that.

Although Bristol City are not at the top end of the Championship, the quality of opposition remains the same. Abraham is playing against reasonably strong opponents each week and he is hitting the back of the net consistently.

This is what the Chelsea loan system should be about.

While the club’s policy is often labelled detrimental and inhumane, Abraham is an example of where it is hugely beneficial.

Had he stayed at Chelsea, he would not receive the regular football he so desperately needs at this stage in his development.

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However, the issue is that this is an isolated case. The fact that there are grounds for writing an article like this shows that the net effect of the loan policy is dubious.

Furthermore, many will be quick mention Patrick Bamford’s name and rightly so. The striker won the Championship Player of the Year award for the 2014/15 season and where is he now? He bounced around Crystal Palace and Norwich City with no result last season before being sent to Burnley this campaign.

Abraham’s performances are exciting and they show what loans can do, but fans should be cautious about his future prospects. And that is just sad.

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