Chelsea: Ideal Premier League loan locations for promising stars
By Travis Tyler
Chelsea’s loan army destinations have become smarter and more challenging in recent seasons. What are the ideal locations in the Premier League for them?
Chelsea have been looking at Premier League rivals more often in recent seasons for ideal loan destinations. Afterall, there is no better test to see if a player is Premier League ready than playing them in the Premier League. Last season, Chelsea sent several players there and a few established themselves rather well. So where are the best locations to send players next season? And who should go there?
Brighton and Hove Albion (Chris Hughton), Mason Mount
Brighton were defensively solid last season, but lacked any kind of flair or creativity on offense. They got the job done, but only just. A Premier League loan may be a leap too great for Mount at this time, but their is reported interest and Brighton could use his services. There, he would be given freedom to create ahead of a strong defense and that could see the goals start flowing for the team.
Crystal Palace (Roy Hodgson), Mario Pasalic or Charly Musonda
Roy Hodgson pulled off the great escape with Crystal Palace last season, and that was in large part to Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek. But Chelsea are almost sure to keep Loftus-Cheek around next season, meaning Palace will suddenly have a whole in midfield. They could also sell Wilfried Zaha, leaving a gap on the wing. Charly Musonda could take Zaha’s spot, or Mario Pasalic could replace Loftus-Cheek in the center.
Everton (Marco Silva), Matt Miazga or Fankaty Dabo
Everton, as always, would be an ambitious destination to loan a player. They are top of the pile when top six is removed and are expected to finish as such. Their midfield is bloated and they appear to be all set outside of defense. Their center backs are nothing to write home about, so Matt Miazga could come in and continue an American tradition at Everton. Alternatively, Fankaty Dabo could ease the toll on Everton’s aging full backs.
Fulham (Slavisa Jokanovic), Matt Miazga or Tammy Abraham
New boys Fulham are pretty well set and look like they will battle to keep their stars. But that will not stop an aging defense of a striker leaving from loan. In their place, they will need some youth with energy. Miazga could go under fellow American Tim Ream’s tutelage. Or Tammy Abraham could go to a team that actually knows how to service strikers. Maybe then he can start finding the net regularly.
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Huddersfield Town, David Wagner, Jeremie Boga or Mario Pasalic
David Wagner was primarily focused on keeping his side up last season. As such, Kasey Palmer found life difficult before and after injury. But this season, they will be looking to build on staying up and they will need better pressing in midfield to do so as well as goals up top. Jeremie Boga would be able to show he is Premier League ready there and Pasalic could help control the center better than the current crop of Terriers.
West Ham United (Manuel Pellegrini), Jamal Blackman or Ola Aina
West Ham were a disaster last season, but one David Moyes had under control. Pellegrini is a great manager, but he will need to shore up the back end of the squad. Aina could help to cover for the aging full backs after a solid Championship loan. But West Ham’s biggest weakness is keeper. Blackman has steadily moved up the leagues and could be due for his Premier League chance. And no other team needs it more than West Ham.
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Where should the best youth of Chelsea go? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!