Though the Blues have surged into contention for a top-six finish in the Premier League and qualification for European competition, by all accounts the season will go down as a massive disappointment for Chelsea. However, Chelsea defender Gary Cahill believes he has found the positives to take away from the ill-fated season.
According to the Telegraph, Cahill feels that the rise of several young stars – particularly Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy and Bertrand Traore – has been a huge positive for Chelsea throughout the season, particularly under interim manager Guus Hiddink.
“Traore has come on and done well and Ruben has a new contract which I think is a great move, I’ve spoke highly of Ruben since I first started training with him,” Cahill said. “He can be a big player and the club has seen that. Great news, young English players.”
Kenedy and Traore both started against Norwich City on Tuesday, with Kenedy scoring his first ever Premier League goal less than 40 seconds after the start of the match – the fastest goal in the league this year. The Blues would go on to win 2-1 and secure eighth place in the Premier League.
“When I came up at Bolton it’s not as risky for the manager to put you in. It is difficult because these kids are at a club that has fantastic players and a lot of talent.
“But they’re proving against Norwich and at Southampton (last weekend) – Traore has scored a few good goals for us… there are young boys here with bright futures.”
Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile has been sensational on the pitch and was rewarded for his strong play with a brand new contract earlier this season.
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