This is a contribution post from Felix Johnston
Felix says:
“I try to watch as much of the Chelsea Loanees as I can, but I can't watch every minute, so I reached out to one fan of every club with a Chelsea Loanee, to get the best opinion on their season...”
Nathan Baxter: 8.5/10
“After starting as 2nd choice, Baxter came in and solidified a nervy defence. Natural communicator, good with his feet and excellent shot-stopper, Baxter quickly became a fan favourite. His ball playing ability, short and long, was crucial to our system.
“Baxter has a great future. He has the potential to become Chelsea No. 1 in the future, but I’m not sure how long he will wait.
“He seems very ambitious and he wants to play. If he found the right club, I think he'd leave his boy hood team.”
Jamie Cumming (at MK Dons): 8.5/10
“Fantastic shot stopper, who commands his area exceptionally. Earned us many points since joining. Can improve ball-playing ability wise, specifically short range.
“Has potential for No.1 CFC spot, if he continues progressing.”
Jamie Cumming (at Gillingham): 8/10
“He'd have been our POTS by a mile, if he’d stayed. We'd have lost many more games 1st half of the season without him.
“Too good for L1, should go Championship or abroad next. Has potential to play for Chelsea in the future.”
Ethan Ampadu: 8/10
“Ampadu was a key player this season. The most consistent midfielder, with long passing and solid defensive abilities.
“His versatility is immense, serving the team week in, week out. It’s a big step, but Ampadu has shown the quality, versatility & professionalism to make Chelsea’s squad.”
Juan Castillo (at Birmingham): 1/10
“Castillo was a disappointment. Immediately he wasn't favoured, after turning up overweight to pre-season. Played a few cup matches, never performed & was banished to the U21s before the loan was cut short in January. Awful loan move.”
Juan Castillo (at Charlton): 1/10
“We signed Castillo in January and were excited as we've had good loanees from Chelsea - Conor Gallagher, Jay Dasilva and Ian Maatsen.
“However, he only played 2 first team games, before playing a few games for our U23s. A failure of a loan.”
Ian Maatsen: 8/10
“Maatsen played well most of his loan, bar shockers vs Luton and WBA.
“Not PL standard yet, but excellent going forward and a goal threat. Defensively can improve, got lots of silly yellows. Loan overseas next step (Dortmund ✅)
“Might be better off at LW.”
Jake Clarke-Salter: 7.5/10
“Solid defender, asset when fit and good on the ball. Our record with him in the side, vs when he’s injured, is very different.
“Cov fans would have him back next season, but sadly think he’ll go overseas or to a PL club on a free.”
Emerson: 3.5/10
“Emerson started well, but offensive input was non-existent. He lost starter role, 2/3 through season, to a left back from Brazilian 2nd Division.
“To be fair, most OL fans don't rate Emerson more than a player we had no expectation for. We are happy the loan ends.”
Levi Colwill: 10/10
“Levi Colwill remember the name. The level of maturity, ability & tactical know how for his age is unreal. He'll 100% go all the way to the top, in club football and international. Unreal talent. He's ready for Chelsea.”
Henry Lawrence: 6/10
“Started well, was the real deal... class above L1. Then injury and couldn’t get in over a left back. Needs a Championship move next & experience around him.
“All in all, decent prospect. Can be top draw, but has to stay away from distractions off pitch.”
Dujon Sterling: 8/10
“Brilliant defensive quality, winning the ball and putting us on the counter. Can improve attacking threat.
“Excellent versatility, playing every position in back 3 & 4 and didn’t look out of place in any. Deserves to be in Chelsea squad next season.”
Baba Rahman: 7.5/10
“When he played, a consistent 7-8/10, but missed 9 games through injury at end of the season. At 27, expect him to go to a Europa League level team, most likely abroad. Liked by the fans and ends the loan on good terms.”
Danny Drinkwater: 5/10
“Abysmal for the 1st half of season, then easily 8/10 for the run in.
Showed glimpses of his quality at the end. If motivated, can go to a UEL/UECL team. Wages will be an issue, he's not worth close to 100k a week.”
Tiémoué Bakayoko: 2/10
“Bakayoko didn’t get minutes, as he didn’t perform when given chance. He only played 90 mins twice and looked horrible.
“Our midfield is very strong, so he was never meant to be a starter. A huge disappointment.”
Conor Gallagher: 9.5/10
“Exceptional player. Main attributes are in attack & off the ball, his press, work rate, tackling - he’s like a rat.
He’s a 27 year old in a 21 year olds body. One of the best players I’ve ever seen for Palace in the PL.
“Conor needs to be in that free role centrally, with a no. 8 and a DM with all the knit and grit, to hunt in packs with Gallagher. I have no doubt Gallagher will reach right up to the cult heroes of your club.”
Tino Anjorin: N/A
“It's tricky... glimpses of a direct footballer, who drives at defences with confidence.
Could've set the Championship alight, but injury prevented that. The qualities are there, we just didn't get to see it often, due to injury.”
Billy Gilmour: 2/10
“Billy Gilmour was my dream signing. However, in hindsight, he isn't suited to a relegation battle at all.
“This loan was a waste of time for both parties. However, he's just a kid & in the right system, he can succeed.”
Armando Broja: 7/10
“Broja has raw pace, strength and 1v1 ability, when he's on his game.
He started slowly, but became the 1st name on the team sheet, putting in excellent performances. During Abramovich situation, he lost focus and performances suffered.
“Undoubtedly a fantastic talent for the future who could lead the line for Chelsea, but only if he applies himself mentally to reach his full potential.”
Michy Batshuayi: 3/10
“After starting the season well, he started to miss incredibly big opportunities... he liked hitting the post more than scoring.
“He lost his self-confidence as he didn't score & the misses kept getting worse. So, all in all, it was a shitty season.”
Mason Burstow: 7/10
“It was a break through year, from playing in the youth team, to joining the 1st team around November, where he bagged 3 G/A in 16 league appearances.
“Once he joined Chelsea, he wasn’t the same. Gave next to nothing when played... his head was turned.
“When he does give 100%, he will give Chelsea a fair bit to offer. He's only 18, so he’s got a lot of time to grow & become a great player, which i’m sure he will do.
“You definitely have a player on your ranks, wish him all the best.”