We decided to grade all six Chelsea players who are currently out on loan based on how it has gone for them so far this season.
It was no secret that in the summer, Enzo Maresca had a big squad, and also a young squad, with an obvious need for more regular game time. His team needed trimming down, and Chelsea did manage to sell a couple of names; however, they also let six players leave on loan for the year.
Chelsea themselves are going well in the Premier League, moving into their game this weekend against Burnley, with a chance to second in the league with a win. But how are their on-loan players getting on? See how we graded them below…
Nicolas Jackson, Bayern Munich – C
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Jackson hasn’t had a load of chances in the Bundesliga as he is playing second fiddle to Harry Kane up front for Bayern. However, he has performed well in the Champions League, scoring two goals in three matches in the competition.
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He is getting game time in the league, as he has made eight appearances, but a lot of them have been from the bench, so it can’t be much better than a C grade here.
Mamadou Sarr, Strasbourg – A
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20-year-old centre-back Sarr has become a key part of Liam Rosenior’s starting XI at Strasbourg. The Senegalese defender has made nine Ligue 1 appearances, with 75% of them being in the starting side, helping the French side to an impressive start to the season.
Sarr is gaining a lot of experience for such a young player, and his ability will only be improving – certainly one to watch out for at Chelsea in the future.
Kendry Paez, Strasbourg – C-
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This grade feels slightly harsh because Paez is only 18, but the attacking midfielder has been more of a subs bench merchant more than anything else for Strasbourg so far this season.
He’s made a total of 10 league appearances for Rosenior’s side, scoring one goal, but he’s only had three starts in those 10 games. He will hope for more involvement in the second half of the season.
Mike Penders, Strasbourg – A+
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Penders has been excellent for Strasbourg, being their starting goalkeeper under Rosenior, and making them one of the better defensive sides in Ligue 1.
The Belgian keeper has made 16 appearances in all competitions for the French side this season, conceding 21 goals, and keeping six clean sheets. Penders could become Chelsea’s new goalkeeper over Robert Sanchez next season if he carries on with this level of performance.
David Fofana, Karagumruk – A
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22-year-old centre-forward David Fofana is on loan at Turkish side Karagumruk, and he has been lights out so far. Fofana has scored four goals in seven games, becoming a real star target man for the Turkish Super Lig side.
When he returns from his loan, could he end up being Chelsea’s long-term replacement for Nicolas Jackson, assuming that the Bayern loanee leaves permanently.
Aaron Anselmino, Borussia Dortmund – D
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The only loanee who is really struggling so far, centre-back Anselmino has made just three Bundesliga appearances so far this season, and just one of them was a start.
He has failed to impress particularly, and will be hopeful that he can make an impact more in the second half of the season.
Click here to see Chelsea’s full first team squad.