Andreas Christensen has been held up as an example of how Chelsea’s loan system works. However, he is the only example that can be put forward.
With Michael Emenalo stepping down as Chelsea Technical Director, he spoke to Chelsea TV to explain his departure. He also had the following to say about Andreas Christensen.
"Andreas, unbeknown to him, gave me a wonderful parting gift yesterday because his performance is indicative of what development is all about…He’s shown great humility to go on loan and work very hard while he was there and gain the experience which is needed, and the timing is right for him now to step in and show what he’s learnt during those periods of development. – via Evening Standard"
Garbage.
That is not what development is about. Youngsters need meaningful first eleven football when they reach the age of 20 and 21. Christensen was in a unique position. While the bulk of Chelsea’s young talent are sent to mediocre clubs across the continent, Borussia Monchengladbach took a punt on the Dane.
The Germans loaned the defender not just for one season, but for two. Christensen was able to settle down for what he knew was a 24-month deal. As a result, Christensen was able buy into the loan and capitalize on his potential. Soon enough, he was starting in the Champions League.
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That was the vital experience he needed to become the player he is today. If he had been sent to Vitesse, he would currently just be another talented player who hasn’t fulfilled his promise. Another precious youngster who is looking for a way out.
Thibaut Courtois could he held up as someone else who benefited from the loan system, but he is also a special case. The Belgian was loaned out on arrival, and loaned out to Atletico Madrid. Again, he was in a unique position to get three consecutive seasons at a top European club.
For all that Emenalo has done for the Blues (and to his credit, he has done a lot), such a statement is audacious. Numerous players have been patient but not received anything. In fact, several players have benefited from leaving. Nathaniel Chalobah, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne are three examples.
Simply put, Christensen is the only example the Blues have of the loan system working. However, the laws of probability indicate that out of a countless number of attempts, one is going to come good. Christensen isn’t a product of the loan system as much as he is a product of luck.
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Chelsea fans won’t buy this propaganda. The brass can claim that Christensen proves the loan system’s success, but supporters aren’t that stupid. For all the joy there is to see Christensen become a first-team player, there is more than anger over him being the only one.