Future Chelsea striker Emanuel Emegha has enjoyed his first international break with Netherlands, and certainly left his mark with two cameo appearances.
Emegha was praised for his display off the bench against Poland, and his performances for Strasbourg have firmly put him in Ronald Koeman’s thinking.
The forward is already on four Ligue 1 goals in just five games so far this season, after a very impressive campaign that caught the eye of Chelsea last season.
The Blues signing Emegha has not gone down too well with the Strasbourg fans, and him becoming a Netherlands international over the last week will not have aided those feelings.
FIFA 2026 World Cup QualifierNetherlands v Lithuania
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Emanuel Emegha comes close to first Netherlands goal
The youngster again came off the bench in the must-win World Cup qualifier against Lithuania, and hit the post in his quest to score his first goal for his country.
Despite this, NOS Sport still described his cameo as ‘lively’, giving Chelsea fans a glimpse of what is to come in their future.
They said: “As substitutes, Quinten Timber, Emanuel Emegha, Lutsharel Geertruida, Noa Lang and debutant Luciano Valente were also allowed to share in the celebration.
“Emegha came close to scoring his first international goal in a lively substitution, but hit the post and missed a great chance in stoppage time.”
Emanuel Emegha posing with Chelsea shirt
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Emegha tipped for big things in England
At this stage, there are no plans for the striker to move on loan away from Stamford Bridge next summer.
While he will face tough competition from Liam Delap and Joao Pedro for a starting role, he is already being tipped for big things when he arrives.
Andy Brassel has said Emegha will be a success in the Premier League, leaving Enzo Maresca a nice headache to have when he arrives.
It remains to be seen what the future looks like now for Marc Guiu. The Spaniard was recalled to Chelsea this season from his loan at Sunderland, but now faces an uphill battle for minutes going forwards.