Chelsea FC: Kenedy Impresses In Debut Appearance
Chelsea FC youngster Kenedy made a surprise appearance in yesterday’s match against Crystal Palace and impressed despite the odds. The 19-year old was a surprise inclusion in the match-day squad due to the club’s injury issues but few expected him to make an appearance. Perhaps if the Blues were leading comfortably then he could have made a cameo but instead he received 20+ minutes of game time.
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With Chelsea chasing a goal against a plucky Crystal Palace side that deserved its lead, Jose Mourinho made a bizarre substitution. He brought off leftback Cesar Azpilicueta and replaced him with an attacking midfielder and part-time striker Kenedy. The youngster was in an unfamiliar position and looked a bit out of sorts in defense but gave an admirable effort.
Naturally he looked at his best when further upfield and when he was given the opportunity to run at defenders. He even gave us a taste of some Brazilian flair when he pulled an “elastico” out of his bag of tricks. It could have just been his youthful exuberance coming through but he showed some desire and passion which has been lacking among the senior players.
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His performance was well-received by Chelsea FC fans and pundits alike as some called him one of the few bright spots in a dismal day for the Blues. He earned a 7/10 from our very own Josh Sutter and ESPN FC in their player ratings and they praised him as he “filled in at left-back when he came on and made some dynamic weaving runs, showing why Chelsea were so keen to bring him to England”.
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The Blues were indeed keen to bring him to England and he was equally keen to join the club. He spoke to Chelsea TV, as quoted by London 24, about how excited he was and said, “It’s a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to play for a top club like this one. What excited me the most about being a Chelsea player is that there are many top Brazilian players that have played or are playing here. Deco, Oscar, Willian, Ramires – I used to play as these guys on my Playstation and now I’m alongside them! That is very exciting for me.“
He continued and said, “It’s a big help because they are constantly talking to me on a daily basis and helping me out with everything. The way they have received me here will help me to develop. I am a typical Brazilian player. I like to go forward and attack but I also do a lot for the team. I put a lot of effort in and always do my best.”
What Chelsea has been missing this season and perhaps even last season was an injection of youthful exuberance and daring. The Blues seem to be stuck in neutral and have yet to come out of their preseason funk. The senior players are not showing any sense of urgency or desire and it may be up to the youngsters and bench players to come in and raise the intensity level.
Youngsters like Kenedy and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were both brought on against Crystal Palace to shake things up and they succeeded. It is too soon to tell whether they will be handed a start any time soon but Kenedy especially will be ready if called upon by his manager.
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