Chelsea overcame a very nervy Carabao Cup Round 3 tie against Lincoln City.
The Blues were able to turn things around to win 2-1 after fantastic goals from Tyrique George and the man this article is based around, Facundo Buonanotte.
There has been a lot of debate around Buonanotte’s arrival at Chelsea.
The news came shortly after it was clear Xavi Simons was off to Tottenham Hotspur, and many fans were bemused and quite frankly disappointed.
But on this cold September night in Lincoln, the Argentinian proved why he’s a valuable asset to Enzo Maresca’s squad this season.
The first half was one to forget for most of the Chelsea players in the starting 11.
The Brighton loanee however, was one of the only players that can hold their head up high.
Not only was he zipping quick passes and connecting nicely with his teammates, but he was also matching Lincoln’s physicality and enthusiasm unlike 80% of the Chelsea players.
Winning five duels throughout the match and winning 3 fouls, Facundo more than held his own despite his small frame.
Then in the second half, he played his part in leading the team to come from a goal down to take the lead.
He ended up getting the winning goal, as he danced through the Lincoln defence like his Argentinian compatriot, Lionel Messi, before just slotting the ball calmly into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Chelsea fans probably rightfully felt a bit underwhelmed when news came out about his loan to the club.
After all, loans are not something the Blues are used to really, and the idea of helping the development of another club’s player probably doesn’t sit right with some fans.
But the main thing to remember is that Buonanotte will end up being a useful backup to Cole Palmer, who has an annoying groin injury to overcome.
The talent is clearly there, and even if the optics of the loan move aren’t the best considering all that happened in the summer, he has at least shown Maresca so far that he has got more options in attack to rely on.
Unfortunately, Buonanotte won’t be available for Chelsea’s Premier League game against his parent club, Brighton this weekend.
Let’s see who will step up in his place as Palmer’s replacement, one could expect Estevao may fulfill this role, if the star man can’t pass another fitness test.
