Matt Miazga is the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s loan army
By George Perry
Antonio Conte was tight-lipped about his plans for defender Matt Miazga, leaving open the promising possibility that the young American will join Chelsea’s loan army this season.
Lost in the Diego Costa-centric turmoil of yesterday’s post-match press conference, Antonio Conte deflected a question about whether Matt Miazga will spend the upcoming season with Chelsea or out on loan. Conte said that the prospect of loaning Miazga will be addressed when the team returns to England after the pre-season tour.
Miazga turned down a scholarship to play collegiate soccer for the University of Michigan, opting to sign for Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls. He came to the campus for the first time since his high school recruiting trip for Chelsea’s International Champions Cup semi-friendly with Real Madrid.
Miazga was an unused substitute in both of Chelsea’s ICC matches this week. Denied the opportunity to shine for Chelsea on his home soil, Miazga acknowledged the amount of work on his plate to adapt to his second Premier League manager in seven months.
"There’s different philosophies and methods, different attacking philosophies and shape and stuff. We’re working hard to fulfill the philosophy and just to continue to work. It’s pre-season so there’s going to be moments to improve on.[I need to improve] my communication and being aware of things. I’m young, I’m still improving and I’m going to keep working hard. – Detroit Free Press"
For as much stick as Chelsea fans give the club’s loan policy, Miazga is a player who would benefit immensely from a spell at Vitesse Arnhem, Real Betis or Bristol City.
The most commonly-cited reason for loaning young players away from Chelsea is to give them a chance to develop first-team experience away from the pressures and intense competition for playing time at a club like Chelsea. Loan periods also allow the young players to expand their abilities without the intense physicality of the Premier League.
Matt Miazga has never experienced the quality of football expected in the Premier League, let alone the rugged style of play. Chelsea regularly sends its own academy graduates on loan throughout Europe, acknowledging the limits of English U21 club football to prepare players for the rigors of Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Cobham-grown players like Dominic Solanke and Lewis Baker are routinely sent out to prepare themselves to wear Chelsea Blue. Little question should remain that the product of American high schools and three seasons in MLS needs additional experience to develop. If Andreas Christensen needs a two-year loan to the Bundesliga before vying for a place in Chelsea’s backline, then Matt Miazga should get at least the same amount of time to develop into a Premier League-caliber player.
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Matt Miazga has been overshadowed by many of teammates’ drama during the preseason, which is a blessing in disguise for any young player. Chelsea saw sufficient potential in the young Yankee to pay £3.5 million for him. He deserves the chance to grow into his and the club’s ambitions.