ANDERSON’S MOORE THAN READY
CRAIG BURLEY believes Chelsea may be about to do what has been alien to the club for a generation: Put trust in youth.
The paltry number of young players to make the grade at Stamford Bridge has been one of the major criticisms of the club throughout the Roman Abramovich era.
Chelsea have won the FA Youth Cup seven times in the past nine seasons.
While victory in that tournament has become routine, seeing homegrown talent in the club’s first team is still anything but.
That could, though, be about to change.
Crossroads
And former midfielder Burley (below) reckons that Ruben Loftuscheek will lead the charge.
“This is a real crossroads for them,” he said. “The days of Chelsea blowing other sides in English football out of the water have well and truly gone.
“Manchester City are spending more money, Manchester United will probably go big, Liverpool have spent huge sums this summer.
“Arguably, there has never been a more difficult time for a manager to come in as now.
“There are a lot of good young players at Stamford Bridge and they may have to bring some of them into the squad.
Chance
“Loftus-cheek is the big one. He looked so comfortable with England and there were a lot of people questioning why he wasn’t getting more of a chance with Chelsea.
“He showed huge composure when he got the chance at the World Cup and he has everything.
“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s quick, a nice touch and now has great experience on a huge stage.
“I don’t understand why he and players of his ilk – and there has to be more – won’t get more of an opportunity.
“Lets see what Maurizio FELIPE ANDERSON wants to go down in West Ham folklore like legend Bobby Moore.
He will settle for Paolo Di Canio or Carlos Tevez, but he is determined to impress.
The Brazilian attacking midfielder knows his clubrecord £36million arrival from Lazio has immediately put a target on his back. But he Sarri is like and whether he’s prepared to give the club’s young players a chance.” The signing of former England goalkeeper, Rob Green, 36, hardly hints at a youthful revolution. Sarri, though, was not scared to give young players a chance at Empoli – they were promoted to Serie A under him. And the chance to work with some of Europe’s brightest young talents will appeal insisted: “I’m ready for all challenges. I can accept what being a record signing means to West Ham fans and the opposition – but it excites me.
“I spoke to my great friend Willian and he urged me to come here and enjoy what the Premier League has to offer. He said it has made him a better player.
“I tried to mould my game when I was young on Kaka because of his technical ability, his speed and his improvisation.
“Now I like to watch Neymar because of the way he dribbles and how he just attacks the opponents. Also Willian. I look at these players and try and implement them into my game.
“The pressure of the fee does not bother me. It’s a big responsibility because it to a manager who transformed Napoli through relentless work – not cash.
Chelsea boasted five members of England’s Under-17 World Cup-winning squad, including George Mceachran and Jonathan Panzo. It’s now up to them to take the ultimate step.
“They have won the FA Youth Cup time and again,” said Burley.
“But what is the point of having a successful youth set-up if the players that come through it aren’t going to be given a chance?” shows that the club believe in me. It comes with the game.
“I have heard about Bobby Moore, Di Canio, Tevez and many more here at West Ham. I want to be like them.”
And Anderson started to repay the Hammers when he opened the scoring in their 2-1 friendly win at Portman Road.
Ellis Harrison soon levelled for Ipswich, but Marko Arnautovic wrapped it up.