Chelsea’s season part one of three: Surprises, successes, disappointments
The biggest Chelsea success story this season
Scott: Fikayo Tomori. I have always expected big things of Tammy Abraham and even Mason Mount. For Tomori to just step into the Premier League and essentially perform better than he did at the Championship level is just unheard of. It’s just not something that happens. Sure his form has dropped off lately, but that was to be expected with how good he performed out the gate.
Varun: Jorginho. There were a lot of contenders for this, with Kovacic looking world class and Tammy Abraham stepping up, but the biggest success story has to be of the man who went from being criticized by every pundit to being booed by Chelsea fans to having his name joyfully reverberate at Stamford Bridge to become the vice captain. He turned it around through sheer hard work and there can be no success story better than that.
Gabe: Any of our youth players, but specifically Mason Mount. Despite a goal scoring “drought” at the moment, Mount is playing an instrumental role in each and every match. He’s found his way into the midfield with no problems and is even trusted enough to play out wide as a winger. Lampard’s confidence in the young man is astonishing, but definitely justified.
Nate: Fikayo Tomori. He started the season fourth (at best) on the depth chart for center backs, and he’s already risen to the top. The transfer ban benefited a lot of youth players, but no one would have guessed Tomori would be the standout amongst them.
Olaoluwa: Fikayo Tomori. It is true that David Luiz’s sudden decision to leave played a major role in facilitating Tomori’s success, but something has to facilitate someone’s success one way or another. Tomori buckled up and took his opportunity with both hands, and while he is not yet at the top of his game, he is 21 years old and he is only just beginning.
Abhishek: Tammy Abraham. It takes cojones of steel to wear, nay demand to wear, the number nine jersey at Chelsea. Not only has Abraham dispelled any doubts about his suitability and ability, he has grown into the infamous shirt as the season has gone on. His goal scoring figures speak for themselves, but it is the game intelligence, the grit and the attitude that has won over any supporters who thought it may be a step too far for him.
Barrett: It’s got to be between Mount and Abraham. Mount has looked fantastic and I couldn’t be happier that the Dutch were suggesting Johan Cruyff comparisons from what they saw during his time there. Abraham is a young striker who is competing for the golden boot with intelligence, power, and precision and yet still has more to learn. Enough said.
Oliver: Hard to see anyone be picked here other than Jorginho. Tammy Abraham has been top quality and so has Mateo Kovacic for that matter, but the Italian has been in imperious form. From where the man was last season, being the target of so many Chelsea boos and jeers, to the fans singing his name week in and week out, it’s been a fantastic turnaround. Oh, and that assist to Abraham against Watford. Oh lordy!