Chelsea: Three things we learnt about the Blues throughout 2020
By Varun Dani
2. Youth is the theme, but experience matters
During the Lampard era thus far, Chelsea has been most closely associated with the term youth. As previously discussed, the Englishman has handed plenty of young players chances under the spotlight and they have reveled in it. Statistics have been thrown around and plaudits have come the manager’s way as the club has been touted to have a bright future. It’s certainly positive to see the youthful chatter around the Bridge, especially compared to the club’s yesteryears, but there is a sizable gap between the present and the future that gets lost in the conversation.
Young players possess raw ability in abundance, but lack key decision making that decides the fortunes of a club. There is plenty of potential, converting it into top-draw performances on a weekly basis takes time and is a different beast. To build a title-winning squad in long-term, without compromising short-term objectives, requires some experienced heads. This is something the Blues figured out throughout 2020.
When Abraham lost his form in the second half of the 2019-20 season, Giroud stepped up to help the club clinch the pivotal Champions League qualification. The glorious summer transfer window that the fans were treated to was built on this top four finish, which might have been impossible without the Frenchman. In the 2020/21 season, there have been times were Werner and Abraham have been completely nullified, prompting Giroud to step up and deliver. His goals not only take the pressure off Lampard, but limit the overreactions that would’ve come Werner and Abraham’s way.
Thiago Silva might not have the physicality of a young player, but his sheer commitment has had an immense influence on his teammates. Players have gone on record to speak about his dedication in training, which motivates the youngsters to train harder. He also brings calmness to the defence, which is built on expert positioning and pinpoint passing.
Living in the shadow of James’ performances, Azpilicueta’s importance to this squad seems to have been quietly forgotten by supporters. The captain has been a Blue for nearly a decade, so he carries with him the soul of a true Chelsea player, a champion. When the Blues were trailing 3-0 to West Brom, it was his introduction that changed the match, He willed on his teammates and helped the team fight back to a respectable 3-3 result. The Spaniard also performs his off-field duties with pride, upholding the special connection between fans and the players.
While their bodies do not function as well as they used, these veterans have proved time and again that they’re essential to this squad. There might always be younger, shinier players available, but the club would do well to remember that no amount of potential can replace experienced minds.