The recent recall of Italian U21 international, Cesare Casadei from his loan spell with Championship side Leicester, might be a product of Chelsea's injury woes. But will Mauricio Pochettino bring the 21 year old to the forefront of his midfield?
Having spent 5 months on loan in the Midlands with Leicester, making 25 apperences under fellow Italian coach, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea look to strengthen by recalling loanees such as Casadei but also Diego Moreira. A strong, powerful and dynamic midfielder with the famous Italian finesse could bring different attributes otherwise lacking in the unimaginative Blue's attack.
After arriving at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022 from Inter Milan's academy, the club spent over £15 million for the midfielder, which was deemed a big sum by many Chelsea fans, for a 19 year old without a senior apparerenece and considering Chelsea's academy graduates at the time were players such as Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham.
Casadei was introduced into the Blues u21 side in which he made 13 appearences and scored 5 goals.
However, the decisive moment for the young Italian was during the U20 World Cup in Argentiana last summer. Casadei and the Italian side pleasently surprised thier viewers with thier agressive yet organised footballing style. Captaining his side to the final and managing to secure the award for both best player and top scorer of the tournament, he was starting to gain attention.
This loan recall could be in higher favour of Chelsea than it may seem, as Chelsea's attacking transitions are currently creatively inept causing the Argentinian coach to look towards the U20s Azzuri's skipper as a potential starter.
During the Premier League summer series tournament in August last year, Pochettino favoured the Italian in a double pivot partnering with Enzo Fernandez and Christopher Nkunku being slightly more advanced in the number 10 role.
Although the Blues are starting to hit some form with 3 consecutive Premier League wins, this balance of creativity, flair and power could just be key to rejuvenate the lacklustre attacking threat.
When the Argentinian coach was asked for his thoughts on Casadei's 5 months with the foxes, Pochettino replied: :'I think it was fantastic, he was doing really well. But that's no surprise because in pre-season did really, really well'.
He added:' He was one of the players that we suffered a liitle bit to allow him to go, and now hope he can help'.
Despite all anticipation we will have to wait until the 31st January to see the Italian in action, due to Casadei's minutes with Leicester in the Carabao cup and FA cup. Therefore, cup tied he will be illegible to play Tuesday nights second leg fixture at home against Middlesborough and Chelsea's FA cup tie against Aston Villa on Friday.
Could this be a great start to the young Italian's Chelsea career or will another one sink into the endless cycle of Chelsea's mammoth loan system?