Jeremie Boga had an unexpectedly full and productive showing in Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal. He will likely return to the loan army, but with a higher profile if he continues this form throughout the tour.
Jeremie Boga entered the game well ahead of schedule after Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Ospina put a two-handed challenge into Pedro’s head, sending the winger to the hospital with a suspected concussion. Boga played as if he was a long-serving Chelsea regular. He showed high levels of confidence and familiarity with the teammates that he only met within the last few weeks.
Boga did what every loan, fringe and youth player must do: he fully capitalized on an unforeseen opportunity to play. Boga created a strong impression that he must now dedicate himself to sustaining for the remainder of preseason.
"He was so confident, so comfortable and linked up really well with Willian and Michy Batshuayi. Compared to performance from other youth players, he slotted right in as if he had been playing and training with them for seasons. – Rayna Sidhu, The Blue Lions"
Jeremie Boga entered the game on few people’s short-lists for break-through loanees. He spent the last two season at Rennes (Ligue 1) and Grenada (La Liga). He had respectable spells at each team, scoring two goals each season in 27 and 26 appearances, respectively. Boga was mainly a substitute at Rennes. He then progressed to starting 14 times on the right wing.
His two seasons on loan are his only senior-level experience. That leaves him with barely one-third of the apparent minimum number of appearances for an aspiring first-team player. He has little chance of making Antonio Conte’s squad this first season, and even if he did, that would not be the best option for his development.
"I don’t think he was ever going to be part of the team. Vitesse was calling… He is still only 20, it’s better for him to go play regular football. There’s only so much you can do coming on in the 77th minute and then playing Shrewsbury in the League Cup. He should join the WhatsApp group and go on loan somewhere. – Ajitesh Rasgotra"
If Boga can continue to perform at this level and impress for the next month, his best outcome may be a better loan. Instead of going back to the basement of La Liga or mid-table Ligue 1, Boga could earn himself a spot at Vitesse or the Championship. Perhaps not the goal young men dream of, but a definite step in the right direction.
Antonio Conte takes his pre-season – like everything else – very seriously. Boga’s desire to impress is as important as the talent and technique he showed. Boga did the one thing a player must do under Antonio Conte: make the most of every minute on the pitch.
Next: Antonio Conte discusses Michy Batshuayi's development after brace against Arsenal
Chelsea and the fans will pay much more attention to Jeremie Boga this season than they otherwise would. Only time will tell if he finds himself on the Victor Moses career path or the Nathaniel Chalobah version.