Chelsea FC player evaluations 2015/16: Matt Miazga
The latest Chelsea FC player to come under our evaluation spotlight is Matt Miazga. The American made a shock move to Stamford Bridge midway through the season.
C. He only made two appearances, one which was impressive and the other less so. But Matt Miazga showed some potential that indicates that he can develop into a useful player.. 2 Apps, 0 Goals. United States. MATT MIAZGA
As a January transfer, young center half Matt Miazga couldn’t have joined Chelsea at a time when the team was as much in transition. While he joined the club during a difficult spell, that actually may have been a blessing in disguise. With expectations low by Chelsea standards on all fronts, he could assimilate himself with little pressure. Also, a favorable transfer fee, and the interest with him being an American export created more intrigue than expectation.
Upon arrival at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s center-half situation actually looked somewhat reliable. Club legend John Terry, Kurt Zouma, and Gary Cahill formed a trio of depth, with Branislav Ivanovic being able to slot in during emergency situations.
This all changed in a match against Manchester United, when Zouma suffered an unfortunate season ending knee injury. With Terry then finally showing signs of slowing down, Miazga was thrust into a first team squad spot just weeks after his transfer.
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Miazga actually received his first call-up to a match day squad against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of our UEFA Champions League tie with the Parisians. Fortunately, he didn’t have to make an appearance on the night.
His first appearance came in a 4-0 thrashing of floundering Aston Villa. Yes, it was Villa, but the American had a very impressive debut. He did all the things you’d expect to see from a young central defender; held his line well, played simple passes, covered well for the fullbacks when necessary and, most importantly, made no big mistakes.
His second appearance in a 1-0 loss to Swansea wasn’t as kind. In a complete 180 from his debut, Miazga looked uncomposed, with a poor clearance leading to the only goal of the game. He compounded his poor showing with a yellow card, and was hauled off at halftime.
So, what can we make of Miazga? He had a very promising MLS career with New York Red Bulls, especially in 2015 where he made 32 total appearances for the Supporters’ Shield winners. He often looked a man among boys during his time in MLS and clearly wanted a bigger challenge. He’s featured for the United States at various youth levels, but has only two senior caps to his name.
In truth, he is still largely a question mark, with little BPL or senior international experience to go off. He clearly showed his potential in MLS, but the jury is out on how that will translate to the rigors of top flight English football.
The best thing he has going for him is his age. At just 20-years-old, he’ll have every day of his four-and-a-half-year contract to develop. With the return of Zouma, and an addition or two via the transfer market or loan recalls, the central defender position should be well stocked next season, which should allow Miazga to get experience either on loan or at lower levels.
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For now, he should be seen as one for the future.