Thierry Henry has shared his concern about Chelsea player Lesley Ugochukwu.
Premier League icon Thierry Henry, 46, is currently manager of the France Under-21s side. He’s coaching the next talented batch of French youngsters, including Lesley Ugochukwu.
The 19-year-old Frenchman is a powerful defensive midfielder that joined Chelsea from Rennes in the summer. He moved in a £23.2million deal (BBC).
There’s been a lot to like about the teenager’s displays so far in a Chelsea shirt, but he’s only started four of his 11 appearances so far since the move to West London.
Lack of minutes
Henry has now voiced his worry about Ugochukwu’s minutes at club level.
He makes an interesting comment that the central midfielder can’t get any rhythm in his game due to the stop-start nature of his campaign.
“The problem is the same with Lesley, even if the situation is different at Chelsea because in front of him there are players like Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. But he’s not playing, and nowadays, these players don’t even play with the reserve side to keep their rhythm,” Henry told L’Equipe, as quoted by Get French Football News.
“At the start of the season, you can benefit from the physical conditioning of the pre-season but the benefits fade and I hope he can continue to keep on course physically.”
Lesley Ugochukwu biding his time
We don’t think many would’ve expected Ugochukwu to walk straight into Chelsea starting line-up this year. In fact, he’s getting minutes right now and appears to be a valued member of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
His main problem is that he’s got quality teammates Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher in the midfield pecking order. It’s going to take some phenomenal work in matches and training to overtake the trio.
Journalist Dean Jones reported via GiveMeSport in September that Chelsea staff around Cobham are pretty excited about Ugochukwu’s potential and ability. He’s made a positive impression during his first months in English football.
We suggest that the youngster keeps working hard off the pitch and impressing when he plays. He’s played every minute of the club’s run so far in the Carabao Cup competition. Next, there is a home fixture at home to Newcastle United in the quarter-finals in December.
