Antonio Conte and Ross Barkley seem an unlikely pair. In fact, Barkley could be the antithesis of Conte’s ideal player. Chelsea may finally see some entertainment.
Michy Batshuyai’s goal midweek was Chelsea’s first in over 300 minutes of football. Over that same period of time, the Blues also had not conceded a goal. Supporters may want goals and a freewheeling style, but Antonio Conte is happy enough with results and hard work from his charges.
The Italian tactician, for example, shrugged off concerns over Alvaro Morata’s missed one-on-one’s against Stoke and Arsenal. He said he was happy with the striker’s work and movement. He probably even meant it. That is what makes the signing of Ross Barkley so incongruous with what Conte values in his squad.
Barkley is the sort of player the English game seems to no longer produce: a street footballer. An entertainer. His explosive dribbling and cocky celebration before the ball is in the back of the net is a joy to watch. As the Jam sang on Sound Affects, “That’s entertainment.”
He’s the type of player, though, who excites fans but frustrates managers. Ronald Koeman had no qualms about dropping him and publicly expressing it would be a “wake-up call” for the midfielder. The young England international was also criticized for his lack of work rate and awareness. In short, he is the exact opposite of what Conte appreciates in a footballer.
When Noel Gallagher of Oasis first heard the Jam’s “That’s Entertainment,” he said he didn’t have a clue what the song meant but knew it was beautiful. Barkley at Conte’s Chelsea is similar. It makes very little narrative sense, but it could be quite fun.
Chelsea goes in to the weekend shorn of a number of first-teamers due to injury and suspensions. The Blues must come up with some new solutions to fill the holes in the starting XI. Normally, Morata’s suspension would mean a 3-4-3 with Hazard playing through the middle, but Pedro’s suspension muddies the waters somewhat.
Next: Chelsea predicted XI: Little flexibility in 3-4-3 after injuries, suspensions
Antonio Conte confirmed in his pre-match press conference Barkley would be in the match day squad against Brighton. Perhaps Chelsea’s newest signing will get a chance to entertain the on Saturday.