Lewis Baker

[Clockwork 1,794]

Any other club would get praised for proactive buisness sense but because its us its a cruel evil plan.

I think you need to distinguish two parts of this youth policy.

Buying young players like: Lukaku, KDB, Tibo, Sturridge, Bamford, Piazon, Salah, Atsu, Pasalic, etc. For me they are fringe first team players, young and talented players that will always have a resale value if it doesn't work out. This is indeed a good business model.

Second is our Academy youth players; Kakuta, MacEchran, Chalobah, RLC, Baker, etc. You know players that have spent majority of their trade at Chelsea. We are failing in this department; from integrating them into the first team and from a financial standpoint. Chelsea academy is not cheap to run, it is arguably the most expensive academy in club football. Secondly these youth players are on high wages in comparison to other players in their age bracket. There is no way this is a successful business model.

[iceman 329]

[Leif 6,006]

That look in his eyes of determination and focus is scary; i can see him tackling a sheep and biting into its belly before it can even 'bah!' to its comrades

[cfcrules 34]

Poor lad. I think his career is f*cked up now. To save anyhow I'd sell him with buy-back option

[Jase 43,479]

Vitesse face Southampton in the Europa League at 8.05pm BST. Both Baker and Izzy Brown are in the starting XI.

[Jase 43,479]

[Jase 43,479]

[Stats 7,060]

Awful pass by him there which led to Southampton's third goal. Has been difficult for him and especially Brown tonight who has rarely got forward at all this match and his virtually been invisible. Baker done a few passes but has not been able to make a real impact on the game. The gulf in class is quite clear though. This is prem class opposition and this will be a hard but positive learning curve for our loaness.

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

Nothing Special...

[marketing media pet 27]

Not good enough

[Gilvorak 3,734]

Interesting that Vitesse are playing him as the deepest midfield almost like an Alonso/Carrick type player. Will be interesting to see how he develops in that role over the entire course of the season. Had a great game today apparently.

[iseah100 5,612]

MOTM.

[Amblève. 4,995]

I once said that Baker would have the same development path as Bertrand and I still stand by that. I just hope that when Baker gets to Bertrand's level we won't make the same mistake and will do right by him.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

I realy liked him when he played for our u21.

Its incredibly hard for these players to make a step forward, I think our board should make some changes if they want youth player to actualy get into our first team. But its hard to guess whats wrong because our youth team is doing brilliantly in domestic and european competitions.

Maybe the players should get the stick instead of carrot more oftenly.

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Frank Arnesen quotes:

“That is the problem in England. At Chelsea, we had fantastic talent, we built up marvellous players, but they needed to be given a chance and they never were. The pressure is so big.

“Managers in England are going out and buying players, the level is high, and it is difficult for them because if they lose two or three games, they’re gone

Seems the same depsite the two-three years it's been since he made the actual quote.

[tommyv 13]

starting for vitesse against cambuur

[tommyv 13]

and scored from penalty

[zolayes 14,489]

almost a forgotten Blue