Ryan Bertrand Loaned to Aston Villa FC

Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking news out of Cobham today, Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand has been loaned to fellow Premiership club Aston Villa. Bertrand has struggled to get many minutes this season with Jose Mourinho opting to play Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back ahead of both Bertrand and long-time starter Ashley Cole. Bertrand has long been seen as the natural heir to Cole once the latter’s time at Stamford Bridge was up, but Azpilicueta’s recent form has thrown that in to doubt. However with the 30 year old Branislav Ivanovic playing right back, there is still hope for Bertrand’s future at the Bridge.

This is Bertrand’s seventh loan but the first for a Premiership side which may be crucial for his development.At 24 years old however, it can be argued that he may not have much development left to do. It does not appear that Villa have the option to buy Bertrand at the end of the season so he should be back in the Chelsea fold come summertime. I think he can be a very useful player for the club but if he is eventually sold then at least he will always have the memory of playing in and winning a Champions’ League final for his boyhood club.