RB Leipzig: what happens to El Chadaille Bitshiabu?

An adventure that started off badly. Transferred on July 18 from PSG to RB Leipzig, El Chadaille Bitshiabu did not even have time to make his debut with his new team as a serious injury delayed his integration. During training at the beginning of August, the central defender tore the internal ligament in his right knee. A serious problem which forced him to stay away from the field for almost three full months. A real blow for the person concerned and his club, which still paid €15 million (with €5 million in bonuses, plus 25% of a future transfer to PSG).

He had to be patient and not languish when he suffered the first serious injury of his young career. The 18-year-old would undoubtedly have dreamed of a better start when starting this experience abroad. On paper, this transfer looks like a good pick. Lacking time at PSG, the left-hander tried his luck in a team renowned for its confidence in young players. Especially since the defenders, particularly French, having shone in his position before him at RB Leipzig are legion between Upamecano, Konaté, Mukiele or at this very moment Simakan.

Marco Rose likes it

Patience is often an ally in this type of situation. The native of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges (Val-de-Marne) returned to training at the beginning of November but it was agreed not to rush anything for his return to competition. Although he was called up for his first Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund on December 9 (he remained on the bench), it was in the Youth League that he made his debut 4 days later. He played 61 minutes against Young Boys Bern (0-0) in an astonishing right-back position. A break which was undoubtedly beneficial to him before returning to the first team.

However, between the players already in place and the truce, he had to wait until February 4 to finally set foot on a Bundesliga pitch. Marco Rose finally brought him on for the last 5 minutes of the victory against Union Berlin as a left back. “He has made a big leap forward in his processnoted the coach 48 hours after the meeting at a press conference, visibly won over by his state of mind. He’s really funny and very close to the group.” All that remains is to get more playing time to assert himself and his return is undoubtedly timely.

Focus on versatility to get playing time

The sequence of matches with the C1 can be useful to him. Difficult to see him start against Real Madrid in the round of 16 but it would not be surprising to see him more in the league. Another idea put forward by Marco Rose, his versatility, especially since David Raum, the starting left back, is very alone and is going through a more complicated pass at the moment. “Chad is training very well and is also in great physical shape. In the beginning, we had to talk about small things. He needs a little patience, there is a lot of competition in central defense. But playing left back is an option.” A position that he has already been able to experience a few times with PSG.