Oscar took a brief turn in the transfer rumour mill last week. The gossip amounted to nothing, as it should because Chelsea should protect their interest in Oscar at nearly all costs.
Oscar has only said the right things during his career at Chelsea. When asked about his switch from the number 11 to Frank Lampard’s legendary number 8, Oscar respected the symbolism of the move.
"When I arrived I took the Number 11 shirt from Didier Drogba, who is another historic player at the club. Now I wear the shirt Lampard used to wear and I want to represent that number in a fitting way — by staying for a number of years and winning many trophies like he did. – Daily Mail"
Now compare this to the ever annoying Thibaut Courtois. When asked about staying at Chelsea long term, he said “I don’t think I will end my career there.” In case there was any question, the contrast illustrates how important men of character will be to this Chelsea FC team moving forward.
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Chelsea are at a pivotal moment in their history. These upcoming years will define whether Chelsea are truly an elite club in European competition or simply the latest English fad to spike in success and then fade. Will history record Chelsea in the same breath as Manchester United, or Nottingham Forrest in 1979-80 under Brian Clough or Aston Villa in 1982?
Having players of character and class is something that hopefully Chelsea learned this past season cannot be undervalued.
Oscar did not have his best season in blue last year. Then again, not a single one of Chelsea’s players will talk about the 2015-2016 season during their retirement ceremonies. Unlike many of his coworkers, Oscar maintained a professional and positive attitude throughout the entire season. Chelsea sorely lacks a club-wide sense of Oscar’s enthusiasm, positivity and appreciation.
Oscar is an incredibly talented player who is a valuable member of the squad on the pitch and on the training ground. He has been at the club for four years and already has over 100 appearances under his belt. He is a father and has been married for five years. His healthy lifestyle and happiness in helping other foreign – usually Brazilian – players adapt to life in England is incredibly important. He is best friends with his countryman Willian and helped ease his move to London. He took Kenedy under his wing as well.
Oscar is on a brilliant contract by the scale of modern football. He earns £90,000 per week on a contract through 2019. When players are earning as much as £290,000 per week, Chelsea is beyond fortunate to have a player of Oscar’s quality and disposition on that kind of contract.
A succession of Chelsea coaches have almost criminally played Oscar out of position for most of his entire career with the Blues. Oscar far more resembles a deep lying playmaker like Cesc Fabregas than a number 10. He is an adept defender and is very diligent in his defensive work. He hits passes with about 85%-90% of the quality that Cesc Fabregas does, and commits to 100% more defensive work.
Oscar is one of the first players to chase back and start hassling opposing players when the ball has been lost. He is perfectly suited to playing in Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 for many years moving forward.
Conte does not have the personnel nor the training window to shift the Blues to a 3-5-2 this year. Players currently with the squad will guide the club’s transition through the current 4-4-2 / 4-2-4 formation. Those players will mature into their new system in parallel with their personal development.
This first lineup shows how Oscar would fit in presumably next season. The second is four years from now, when he will be 28 and in his prime, surrounded by long-time teammates and academy prospects who will by then be first team regulars (touch wood).
Oscar should stay at Chelsea for the long term. He is a quality player and, even more importantly, a quality person. He is only 24 years old, five years younger than Fabregas, and is still three years away from entering his prime as a footballer. In the upcoming years, Fabregas may leave and Oscar will very ably step into his shoes.
This offseason no Chelsea player should leave simply because the club needs to have a principle in getting back to where it should be. However, Oscar leaving at a time like this would be tragic. He is a player with many, many good years left in him.
Next: Bertrand Traore: Chelsea's wandering youth is ready for his future
Seeing him as an old head in this Chelsea team alongside many of Chelsea’s upcoming youth players could be a joy to behold not simply because of his ability as a player but because of his character as a man.