By DOMINIC HOGAN
Published: 15:14 EST, 28 November 2024 | Updated: 15:40 EST, 28 November 2024
Peter Crouch hinted that there were three players in particular who perhaps ought to be getting more minutes in the Chelsea first team after impressive displays in the Conference League.
The Blues beat Heidenheim 2-0 in a clash that was not quite so dominant as the 8-0 thrashing of Noah last time out, but still a fairly comfortable result, despite the hosts twice having goals chalked.
Chelsea went in at the break not winning for the first time in the competition this term, but Christopher Nkunku scored just six minutes after the restart to get the visitors ahead.
Heidenheim though threatened to draw level again, but the offside flag denied them an equaliser before Mykhailo Mudryk scored a first-time stunner to make it 2-0 on 85 minutes.
It was a strong showing from Chelsea's second string side, who have largely been consigned to the Conference League as Enzo Maresca rotates his side to keep them fresh, but there were some who impressed more than others according to Crouch.
First of all, he was quick to pick out Manchester United's on-loan forward Jadon Sancho, who looked to be showing the confidence and guile that saw the Red Devils splash the cash to bring him to Old Trafford in 2021.
Chelsea beat Heidenheim 2-0 in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night in Germany
Christopher Nkunku scored his 11th goal of the season shortly after the break to make it 1-0
Mykhailo Mudryk then struck five minutes from time to double the advantage and make sure of the points
'He's involved in a lot, he's got such quick feet, just get the ball to his feet, the trickery, he's got the creativity, seems to pick the right pass,' said Crouch on TNT Sports.
'When he's confident he's as good as anyone. Fantastic player, great feet and he seems to always pick the right pass. He's a defender's nightmare.'
He added: 'Really intelligent player but he's getting up to speed. He's had his illness, his injuries, lack of playing, but when he's fit and playing well and confident this is what he can do.'
Joe Cole, too was enamoured with what he saw from the England international, noting that he was 'fantastic' at time in southern Germany.
The second player to catch Crouch's eye on the night is Chelsea's top scorer in all competitions Nkunku, who struck his 11th of the campaign on Thursday night, but has largely struggled for minutes in the Premier League.
The Frenchman opened the scoring, and had a good night in front of goal in general, his link up play with Marc Guiu, Sancho and Mudryk was smooth for the majority of the game, although he did miss a decent chance to double his tally before getting injured.
As such, former England and Liverpool striker Crouch felt that the player was perhaps unfortunate not to be a more regular feature in Maresca's first-team plans at this point of the season.
'It's a beautiful finish, in these areas he's so calm and he's so unlucky not to be playing because he's a fantastic player,' claimed Crouch.
MORE TO FOLLOW.