One of Chelsea’s most significant summer sagas was their pursuit of Tiemoue Bakayoko. However, is he an upgrade on Nemanja Matic?
Chelsea’s summer transfer activity has been subject to much debate and criticism. The Blues failed to sign a raft of players before making a couple of last-minute moves on transfer deadline day. One player who was signed relatively early on, Tiemoue Bakayoko, has impressed so far and N’Golo Kante has backed the Frenchman to step up to the plate.
"I had the chance to play one year with [Matic] and he was a very good player for me…Bakayoko has come and I think he’s a good player, and that we can do very well with him. – via Goal"
Matic’s Stamford Bridge departure caused a few fans to scratch their heads. Chelsea did not have excessive depth but they were willing to sell one of their most important players over the last three seasons. Not only that, they were willing to sell him to direct rivals, Manchester United.
Many thought it was time that Matic and Chelsea parted ways, though. With Bakayoko now in West London, there was no need for the Serbian.
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However, Matic has been instrumental for the Blues. Jose Mourinho re-signed him and he was arguably Chelsea’s best player during their successful 2014/15 campaign. Playing alongside Cesc Fabregas, he carried the entire defensive workload in the midfield and he did it with ease.
The next season, he was terrible but the whole squad were poor. In fact, it was only then that it became apparent how key Matic was to the club’s success. His disappointing performances exposed the defensive frailties of the team.
When Antonio Conte arrived, he formed a solid partnership with Kante. Fabregas was largely limited to substitute appearances while his two colleagues dominated the midfield in almost every game. Matic may not have been supplying the eye-catching creativity and flair that Fabregas does, but he was evidently a vital cog in the machine.
Bakayoko has been tasked to replace the Serbian and so far he is doing a great job. He has adapted to Conte’s tactics, as well as the Premier League’s style of play, like a duck to water. Watching him play alongside Kante has been both exciting and encouraging.
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However, is he an upgrade on Matic? Will he able to maintain his form throughout the season? Matic is also proving his quality in Manchester United’s midfield, so what do you think? Vote in the poll and leave us your thoughts in the comments below!