Chelsea’s new loan Saul Niguez: Who the hell are you? (Vol. 20)

2. Is he any good?

Yes, with the asterisk being that he’s not as good as he once was. Not too long ago, Niguez was one of the world’s best midfielders. The last two years have taken the shine off of that but given he is entering his prime years now and there were no major injury concerns, he could easily return to his best in the right circumstances. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all that is required and Chelsea is already ticking that box.

Though being brought in for the midfield, Niguez’s versatility is a huge boost as well. Being able to play wide will give Chelsea further depth at wingback and perhaps even the wide forward spots. Sometime in defense could see Thomas Tuchel use him in a halfback role, shuffling in and out of the defense as the match requires. He’ll very much be a jack of all trades however he is fielded.

Aside from his versatility, he’s a good pressing player and likes to take shots from distance. 53 goals and 22 assists in over 400 appearances is decent enough for a midfielder who is neither seen as particularly attacking or creative. But Tuchel and Chelsea will also surely like that he has an engine to rival Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, and Timo Werner. Niguez may not play 50+ games like some of the others have done, but he easily could based on his career thus far.

The main question will really be how he is used and when. He’s most similar to Kante so if it is an either or, Kante wins out if he’s fit. But, Kante going in and out of fitness in recent seasons is an important reason why Niguez may be needed more than expected. He’s moving from a club where he was a key figure (even out of form) to one he is fourth choice (at least for now). That only likely happens if he’s given certain guarantees and Kante being treated carefully may be Niguez’s window of opportunity. Furthermore, if Chelsea ever goes into a three man midfield, Niguez would be a good connecting player to have available.

But, more than anything else, Chelsea will hope that Niguez rediscovers his form from a few seasons ago. Back then he was easily one of the best midfielders in the world and if Chelsea can draw that back out a loan with an option to buy will be a massive coup. The loan gives Chelsea the wiggle room in case that doesn’t happen but there are really only upsides to this deal as it stands.