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Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has compared Marc Guiu to Barcelona legend Luis Suarez after the former helped the Blues secure a 3-1 win against Astana. The two sides locked horns in the UEFA Conference League at the Ortalyk Stadion on Thursday, December 12.
Chelsea stormed to their sixth successive win across all competitions with an excellent showing against Astana. Guiu broke the deadlock in the 14th minute following a brilliant solo run. The 18-year-old dribbled past Aleksandr Marochkin from the right wing before side-footing past goalkeeper Mukhammedzhan Seysen to score his second goal of the season.
Guiu also had a massive role in the Blues' second goal, causing Marochkin to score an own goal (18'). Renato Veiga made it 3-0 in the 39th minute before Marin Tomasov scored a consolation goal for Astana (45').
Cole reckons Guiu watched clips of Suarez growing up as he stated (via The Chelsea Chronicle h/t TNT Sports):
“He must have watched [Luis] Suarez as a young man in Barcelona. He’s got great movement. This is just all about ability and athleticism (for his opening goal). He drives past the centre-half there. It’s a lovely finish. He was a thorn in the side throughout the game for them. He really impressed. In and out, direct, dribbling off the back foot, little shimmy and driving inside. That is exquisite from a young man.”
Guiu has struggled for game time since joining Chelsea from Barcelona over the summer, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku ahead in the pecking order. He has made nine appearances across competitions, with just one coming in the Premier League.
The Spaniard will be aiming to match Luis Suarez's achievements as a player. The latter was well renowned for his world-class movement and finishing at Barcelona, garnering 195 goals and 113 assists in 283 appearances across competitions.
How did Chelsea's Marc Guiu fare during 3-1 win over Astana?
Marc Guiu grabbed his opportunity with both hands after he was entrusted to lead the line, inspiring Chelsea to a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League.
As per FotMob, Guiu completed just 11 passes from an attempted 15 with an accuracy of 73 percent. He also landed two shots on target from three attempts, created one chance, and scored an excellent goal. He was subbed off in the 78th minute for Shumaira Mheuka.
The Blues remain at the top of the Conference League standings with 15 points from five games. They next face Brentford in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, December 15.
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Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee