Since returning from a loan spell in January rather prematurely after Chelsea’s defensive injury woes, Trevoh Chalobah has been pretty consistent.
Previously put up for sale and considered surplus to requirements, Chalobah’s decision to leave Crystal Palace where he was a guaranteed starter to return to his boyhood club despite the ‘far from good’ treatment he received during the off-season further demonstrates his love Chelsea.
On returning, Chalobah has had to quickly re-settle in the squad and blend in with the coach’s pattern of play.
Despite prior briefs during the early tenure of manager Enzo Maresca on the unsuitability of Trevoh Chalobah to his preferred brand of football, the 25-year old is becoming a manager favourite.
How did Chalobah reclaim his spot?
The versatility of the former Huddersfield Town player makes him a key component of any squad seeking success.
The cobham graduate can play primarily as a center back, a right back and even in defensive midfield as shown during his time in France playing as a defensive midfielder for Lorient.
Enzo Maresca has previously mentioned his likeness for versatile players as he once said;
“One of my first press conferences, I said that the reason why I really like and love Chelsea is because many players can be versatile”
“Today, in my idea, if they can play different positions, then it is better for the team and especially for the players. Today, if you just play one position, I don’t think it’s enough. You need to learn more positions.”
Another crucial factor in Trev’s resurgence as a valuable squad member for Chelsea is his fighting spirit and humility.
Spending most of his formative years in the Chelsea academy helped build character and knowing full well what it means to wear the Chelsea jersey, the 25-year old of Sierra-Leonian descent shows how much he values and respects the badge, club and all of its culture.
Chalobah’s present form :
Last night against Spurs, Trev Chalobah deputised for the injured Wesley Fofana as the right centre back, pairing Levi Colwill in the centre of defence.
Coming up against tricky customers in Son and ex-cobham graduate, Dominic Solanke, Trevoh Chalobah held his own and proved himself good enough to be a worthy deputy to the first choice, Wesley Fofana.
On the ball, Chalobah’s passing range was on show as he completed 50 of his 54 attempted passes, 4 of 7 attempted long balls and created one big chance from a long ball to Nicolas Jackson.
Defensively, Chalobah was no slouch either as he registered a 100% win rate in both aerial and ground duels contested.
The cobham graduate was hyped for the derby at the bridge and it showed during the scuffle between himself and some of the Spurs players just before the halftime break after standing up for his teammate and fellow Cobham graduate, Levi Colwill.
Verdict :
In this age where quality is either overpriced or overhyped, having a player of the quality of Trevoh Chalobah garnering this little hype is a huge positive.
Not many clubs get the chance to right their wrongs on players but given his humility and love for Chelsea, Trev has given the sporting directors another shot at correcting their wrongs.
I think it’s only right and now justified to keep Chalobah in Enzo Maresca’s plans moving forward.
His performances have earned him a spot in the team come next season and his role in the team is sure to not disrupt the growth of the latest cobham graduate defender Josh Acheampong who needs to grow and learn before blossoming at the bridge.
