Chelsea: Jadon Sancho’s thunderous debut

Despite the turbulence, there are players who will always remain in the hearts of fans. As long as they have that spark and that touch of carefree attitude that sets them apart from the others. This is the case of Jadon Sancho. A former Manchester City prodigy, after having learned all his trade at Watford, the Englishman very quickly made the choice to export his talents to Germany and with Borussia Dortmund. A choice that quickly paid off with the Marsupials, with whom he became one of the most talented young players in the world. A status and performances that go with it that allowed him to join Manchester United for 85 million euros. While great hopes were placed in him, the English international (23 caps, 3 goals) ultimately disappointed with the Red Devils, like many with him.

After a bumpy start at Old Trafford, the versatile striker was at the heart of a clash with Erik ten Hag. An event that cast a chill over his future at United last year. After a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of the season that reassured him of his qualities, Sancho was reinstated by ETH this summer. Finally, on the last day of the transfer window, the 24-year-old striker took the gamble of joining Chelsea to finally make his career explode in the Premier League. Despite ardent requests from PSG and Juventus Turin throughout the summer, the London native chose to return to his hometown, even if it meant battling in a bloated squad. This Saturday, Jadon Sancho made his debut on the Bournemouth pitch. And the least we can say is that the virtuoso set the record straight in just 45 minutes.

An assist and the man of the match award on his debut

Coming into play at half-time in place of a less active Pedro Neto than usual, Jadon Sancho was diabolical in each of his ball handlings. Constantly looking to make the difference, he did not lose many balls and everything was designed to bring danger to the Cherries’ rearguard. A state of mind that allowed the number 19 to make the difference at the end of the match. Provocative, he had the malice to serve Christopher Nkunku who, with his talent, managed to find the back of the net after a few dribbles. Threatened this Saturday by Enzo Maresca, his new coach in the capital, Sancho was praised by the Italian technician at the end of the match: “Jadon is a very good player and can help us. Now, all the noise around him, I don’t care. With us, he is very polite, he trains well with and without the ball. I have the feeling that Jadon needs love. That’s what I thought when I spoke with him before he joined us. I also know that he wants to show the player he is, but for me, it’s just about enjoying football.”

For his part, Chelsea’s new striker expressed his joy after being voted man of the match. As he looks forward to settling in with the Stamford Bridge team, Jadon Sancho thanked his new teammates for the warm welcome he received: “First of all, it’s amazing to make my debut for Chelsea. I’m very grateful to be back playing. The team played really well and we’re happy with the three points. I’ve worked hard for this moment and I’m just happy to have had my chance. I had a great end to last season, being in the Champions League final. I’m just happy to make my debut for Chelsea. I have to thank all the staff and my team-mates. The first day I arrived, they made me feel so welcome and I’m so happy to feel so comfortable.” If the Blues can get the best out of Jadon Sancho in the coming months, they could well be one of the big surprises of the Premier League season. Seventh at the time of writing, Cole Palmer’s team-mates have won two of their four league games so far.