No sooner has Jadon Sancho walked through the door at Stamford Bridge, than the winger appears to be fighting against becoming a spare part again. After returning to Manchester United this summer, Sancho negotiated a loan move to Chelsea in an apparent bid to reignite his Premier League career.
But despite an impressive debut at cameo at Bournemouth on Saturday, the path to first team football looks anything but clear for him after reportedly being told by manager Enzo Maresca he wouldn’t play if his attitude and application wasn’t right.
And now another obstacle has emerged in the form of one of the club’s rising stars.
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Tyrique George was handed his own senior debut before the international break, appearing in the UEFA Conference League tie against Servette. The 18-year-old academy product has already made his mark at international level too, playing for England at four different age-grade levels.
And now team-mate Noni Madueke has lavished praise on the youngster, and in a stark warning to Sancho, has tipped George for big things. “Tyrique is talent through the roof,” he said.
“He’s got everything to be a fantastic wing player. He can score with both feet. He’s quick, skilful, can go both ways. He’s a great player. He had a good debut the other day in the Conference League. He’s one you’ve got to look out for as well.”
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This summer, the club moved to ensure that George was tied down long term, offering him a new contract in June. He duly signed an improved deal that runs until 2027, with an additional one-year option.
He came to the attention of Chelsea fans last April, going viral for scoring a 35-yard screamer in an under-18 Premier League match with Crystal Palace. The strike was shortlisted for the club’s Goal of the Month award.
Just days later, he was an unused substitute in the 6-0 home win over Everton. And the fact Maresca has already chosen to utilise him this season, despite having multiple options at his disposal, appears telling.
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The Italian has also opted to keep the same player on board while the more experienced Raheem Sterling has joined Arsenal on loan, after being dispatched to the ‘bomb squad’. The term refers to a group of around 20 senior players made to train away from the first team after a chaotic summer transfer window in west London.
Sancho, who must also compete with Joao Felix after his arrival from Atletico Madrid, did make an impression at the Vitality Stadium after replacing Pedro Neto at half time. His through ball set up Christopher Nkunku to score what proved to be the only goal of the game late on.
