The Pride of London
Fansided

Lewis Baker is the hero as Vitesse reach Dutch Cup final

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 01: Lewis Baker of Vitesse Arnhem celebrates scoring his teams first goal of the game during the Dutch KNVB Cup Semi-final match between Sparta Rotterdam and Vitesse Arnhem held at Het Kasteel or The Castle on March 1, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 01: Lewis Baker of Vitesse Arnhem celebrates scoring his teams first goal of the game during the Dutch KNVB Cup Semi-final match between Sparta Rotterdam and Vitesse Arnhem held at Het Kasteel or The Castle on March 1, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Chelsea loanee Lewis Baker stepped up to the plate on Wednesday night, scoring twice and sending Vitesse into the Dutch Cup final.

Big games require big players and Lewis Baker proved himself to be just that on Wednesday night. Vitesse squared off with Sparta Rotterdam in the semi-final of the KNVB Cup (Dutch Cup) and emerged 2-1 victors. Baker got both the goals.

The Chelsea prospect gave Vitesse the lead early on. From a corner, Baker unleashed a fierce left-footed strike that managed to find its way into the back of the net. The Sparta goalkeeper could have done better, but Vitesse fans weren’t complaining with a 1-0 lead after 13 minutes.

The second had slightly more class about it. With Vitesse applying the pressure, Baker played a one-two before slotting the ball neatly into the bottom right corner. This right-footed efforted showed how comfortable he is on both feet.

Sparta would soon grab one back via an own goal, but the good guys would hang on for the win.

More from The Pride of London

The victory sends Vitesse into the final of the Dutch Cup, a feat they last achieved in 1990. With AZ Alkmaar taking on SC Cambuur in the other semi-final, Vitesse will fancy their chances at winning silverware.

Baker has been an integral part of the Vitesse team this season, making 23 Eredivisie starts and scoring nine goals. Tuesday night, meanwhile, was just another example of how key he can be in a big game. At the age of 21, he is progressing well on loan and Chelsea management will be pleased to see him deliver the goods.

However, he wasn’t the only Chelsea player to take the field against Sparta. Matt Miazga and Nathan both started, although the latter only lasted an hour. Nevertheless, the abundance of Chelsea talent in the Vitesse team make this cup final all the more interesting.

Much has been said about the Blues’ dealings with Vitesse, with even the benefits for home players being called into question. But if these players are able to contribute palpably to deep cup runs or high league finishes, the loan spells become more valuable.

This season, Vitesse are doing well (they sit just four points of fourth place) and thus the Chelsea youngsters are being exposed to a relatively high standard of football. Hopefully, the trio can add the first of many trophies to their cabinet in a few weeks’ time.

Home/Chelsea FC Loan Watch