Alan Smith has not been impressed by the Chelsea winger.placeholder image
Alan Smith has not been impressed by the Chelsea winger. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Jamie Gittens is being eased into Chelsea life but it's far too soon for such dramatic punditry from the ex Leicester City and Arsenal man.
After a busy summer of transfer comings and goings at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are reaping the rewards of some of their investments.
Joao Pedro has two goals and three assists so far in the Premier League this season following his £60 million move from Brighton, with his versatility proving vital for Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, former Manchester United man Alejandro Garnacho was a constant headache for the Liverpool defence before the international break and Willian Estevao looks to have the potential to be a world beater.
One of the summer arrivals who is taking a little longer to find his feet at the Bridge is Jamie Gittens. Chelsea paid £48.5 million to bring the 21-year-old to the Premier League from Borussia Dortmund.
Alan Smith criticised Chelsea £48.5 million signing
Gittens arrived in London with bags of Bundesliga and Champions League experience thanks to his time at Borussia Dortmund, but had never played in the Premier League. Maresca has eased him into action so far, with 160 minutes across the opening seven fixtures.
Even if the winger hasn’t had the meteoric rise of Estevao, it’s early days and the signs are promising. It’s surprising therefore to see Premier League legend Alan Smith writing off the transfer as a downgrade on Noni Madueke so soon.
He told Metro: “Who knows how Chelsea feel when it comes to these comings and goings. Jamie Gittens hasn’t been an upgrade though, he’s just been disappearing up blind alleys, and we’ve not seen the best form from him yet. That was a strange move. It felt unusual at the time, and it looks even more out of place now. But that’s Chelsea at the moment, isn’t it?”
Gittens wasn’t signed to be an immediate starter at Chelsea. Pedro Neto, The Blues have Pedro Neto, Garnacho, Estevao and Gittens all competing for the two wide spots.
Jamie Gittens has shown plenty Chelsea promise
When the player has been given a chance, there have been moments of promise. When watching him on his debut against Crystal Palace, LondonWorld awarded Gittens a solid 7/10.
We wrote: “Enjoyed a really, really bright opening few minutes to the game. His first touch looked to add pace to the ball and drive Chelsea forwards and he showcased physicality to outleap Chris Richards, as well as a pace and diligence to track back. Did fade after that before coming off early in the second half.”
What’s more, he’s a player that Maresca already trusts, which speaks volumes on his work on the training ground. When needing a winner against Liverpool, the Chelsea manager was quick to look for Gittens on the bench, trusting him to make an impact in a huge game.
The goals and assists for Gittens will come. The winger impressed for the England under-21 side over the break, teeing up teammate Tyrique George for the winner against Andorra.
Speaking after the match, George said: “He’s really sharp. He’s really good, electric, smart player as well. So, yeah, he’s a really good player.
“We’re really, really close. We’re really close friends. I feel like you always need competition in a top club and you’re always going to get that. So, I feel like he’s pushed me, I push him. So, that’s the main agenda. So, it’s good.”
There’s a good feeling around Gittens at Chelsea, and rightly so. Will he be an upgrade on Madueke, only time will tell - but Smith is foolish to call is so boldly, so early.
In other news, 'Close Tabs': Pete O'Rourke names 'intelligent' defender Chelsea and Brighton could sign.
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