Ryan Kavuma-McQueen has shown Xabi Alonso exactly what all the fuss is about while out on loan at Portsmouth.
Ryan Kavuma McQueen of Chelsea FC during the Sydney Super Cup match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Accor Stadium on July 28, 2026 in Sydney, Australia
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen while on tour with Chelsea in pre-season.(Image: Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
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So far this season, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen has prided himself as the best dribbler in the Championship, following in the footsteps of his childhood idol, Eden Hazard.
The Chelsea wonderkid, who joined Portsmouth on loan in the summer, has already made an excellent impression on the south coast, establishing himself as a key player in John Mousinho's side. On Wednesday night, he completed his first 90-minute game for Pompey as they defeated Sheffield United at Fratton Park.
Kavuma-McQueen helped Portsmouth double its lead over the Blades shortly before the hour mark, teeing up Adrian Segečić, who smashed the ball past Michael Cooper from close range. Upon receiving the ball on the left wing, the Blues loanee darted past Tahith Chong to the byline before zipping back a cross into the six-yard box.
During an interview with the in-house club media after the game, Mousinho showered Kavuma-McQueen with great praise for both his quality and his mentality in bouncing back after starring in the South Coast Derby defeat to Southampton a few days prior.
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"I don’t want to get carried away... I thought he was awesome tonight," said the Pompey boss last week. "The kid’s 17. He was subbed off at half-time (against Southampton), a disappointing weekend for him, and he showed away for everyone tonight.
"I thought he was a joy to watch. He worked his socks off, which I thought was a big step forward for him. His work rate’s great, but sometimes it’s just (his) understanding of the press- understanding when he needs to track (could do some work).
"You can see the threat that he is. I wouldn’t like to play against him back in my day. We just have got to keep giving him the ball. He’s going to have those highs, like today and against Blackburn.
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"He’s going to have some days where he’s off, because he’s 17. That’s fine, so I was really pleased that he bounced back brilliantly today."
Then, on Saturday afternoon, Kavuma-McQueen picked up where he left off, helping Portsmouth bank another three points. The England Under-18 international didn't manage to score a goal or provide an assist, but he did catch the eye again, taking on the opposition full-back at every opportunity.
So much so that he ended the weekend as the best dribbler in the Championship. This season, in just 10 appearances, seven of which were starts, no player has completed more successful dribbles than Kavuma-McQueen (24), nor has anyone averaged more successful dribbles (2.4) per 90 minutes.
For someone who grew up idolising Hazard, it should be no surprise that the Cobham graduate loves to take on the opposition full-back. In an interview with the in-house club media at Stamford Bridge in the summer, Kavuma-McQueen confessed his admiration for the Belgian superstar.
"I’ve watched a lot of games there and seen some great players represent this club," said the teenager. "Obviously, as a young winger, one that I always loved was Eden Hazard.
"What a player. I would see him do things in matches and then look to add it into my game. Same for Cristiano Ronaldo. They are two players I really looked up to growing up..."