Emanuel Emegha is the next due in from the Strasbourg production line, and Chelsea fans should be excited after he made his Dutch debut on Friday night.
It was a disappointing result for Ronald Koeman’s side, held to a 1-1 draw against Poland.
But with a three-point lead and a goal difference margin of 13, it should be enough — barring any miracles — to send them through atop the group.
Chelsea have already been told that Emegha will be a massive success, and his flying form in Ligue 1 earned him a first international call-up.
He will have been disappointed to only make a late substitute appearance, but he did enough in a short span to earn plaudits from the Dutch media.
Chelsea Pre-Contract Signing of Emanuel Emegha
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Memphis Depay was picked to lead the line, and the decision paid off when he levelled the tie right after the break.
It wasn’t until the match was almost headed for injury time that Koeman decided to give the Strasbourg man a run.
With the sides locked together at 1-1, a moment of inspiration was needed. It didn’t come, but Emegha was singled out after the game for his attitude.
Dutch outlet NOS Voetbal said after the game: “Things need to improve, was the general sentiment at the Dutch national team. Yet, there was one player who wasn’t affected by the grumpy mood tonight.
“Emanuel Emegha cherished his debut for the Dutch national team. And as far as he was concerned, it could have lasted much longer.”
The Netherlands will be looking to cap off a solid qualifying campaign with a win over Lithuania, and after getting such little opportunity, Emegha surely has to play the next game: “Perhaps that opportunity will come on Monday, when the Dutch team must finally secure their place in the World Cup against Lithuania at the Johan Cruijff Arena.”
Emegha chose Chelsea over ten other teams, and they will be hoping he can start getting international minutes under his belt.
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Emanuel Emegha looks ahead to the World Cup
Emegha could have also declared for Nigeria, but he only ever wanted the orange shirt.
As he told Sportnieuws: “The Netherlands is simply my country. I’m a proud Dutchman and always will be. Even if I weren’t called up, I would still be Dutch.”
The 22-year-old has passed that hurdle and will now have his eye on a starting berth ahead of the summer’s tournament.
He continues: “I’m going to work towards the World Cup all season. I’ll do anything for that.
“Score more goals, provide more assists, be extremely fit. I’ve had a lot of injuries this season, I want to be in top shape.”
Hopefully, he can reach the lofty goals he’s setting for himself. How great it would be to receive him at Stamford Bridge following a brilliant campaign across the pond at the World Cup. Chelsea plan to keep Emegha in London next season.