Frank Lampard was able to create a solid Chelsea squad this summer, signing big names. Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell all made their way to Stamford Bridge. But having an inflated squad Lampard had to ship some of his players.
Lampard had to loan as many as 33 players to have the right squad depth. Here we will take a peek into some of those stars. Evaluating them on how their time away from Chelsea has been. While some stars were able to make an impressive start, others are yet to make an impression.
Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley was among the stars who Frank had to loan to give them game time. With a hoard of regular midfield options that Frank usually plays with, Barkley was usually a bench warmer. Hence, Lampard chose to loan him to Aston Villa, where the Englishman is having a good time.
Barkley already has two goals and an assist to his name. And has been starting the last five games for Villa. Things seem to be going smoothly for the 26-year-old. If he keeps up with his form, Lampard may call him back soon. But football London also reports that Barkley may continue his game at Aston Villa.
Connor Gallagher
Connor Gallagher joined West Brom in the summer from Chelsea. The midfielder was able to root himself into the West Brom lineup. Despite the Baggies facing some challenges lately. Connor has been at the top of his game for them.
It is likely for West Brom to continue using the midfielder’s services. The Baggies did get a bashing from Tottenham recently. But Connor was able to put forward an exceptional play.
Tiemoue Bakayoko
Bakayoko was always under the shipping list in Chelsea. After failing to make a return to San Siro, the Frenchman made a loan deal with Napoli. Tiemoue Bakayoko was able to make a good start in Italy. Securing a spot in Gennaro Gattuso’s lineup from the start.
Bakayoko has been impressive so far and will hope to keep it that way. The Frenchman also helped Gattuso’s side seal a 1-0 victory this weekend. Promoting Napoli into the second position in the league table.
Malang Sarr
The free agent who came alongside Thiago Silva was fast to leave. Sarr was an option for Lampard to reinforce his defense. But right after signing a five-year contract with Chelsea, Sarr went out on a loan to Porto.
It is likely for the Frenchman to make a return to Stamford Bridge after his period in Portugal. Lampard was keen for the defender to earn some first-team experience. Porto is an exceptional club to gain it and Sarr seems to be in good shape. We may soon see the Frenchman make a return to be a full-term Chelsea defender.
Some player not able to shine away from Chelsea
Meanwhile, some of the above stars were able to secure a good time away from Chelsea. Others were not able to secure such a good life. Nathan Baxter, Kenedy, and Michy Batshuayi among the sinking ones.
Nathan Baxter was given a chance at Accrington Stanley to prove himself. But the youngster was unable to make his chance count. As a result his time there seems likely to be of hardships. Kenedy also seems to be having a hard time at Granada.
Kenedy usually comes off the bench, making short appearances for the LaLiga side. But was subbed off at halftime last game, despite Granada lining up a youth squad for the game. This may indicate that he is having a tough time there. Mishy Batshuayi has also not been able to impress Crystal Palace. After appearing in five games for the side, he is yet to score a goal or make an assist.