Nathaniel Chalobah

[Leif 6,006]

I think tonight's been his biggest test as a player. I think, so far, he's just passed.

[ja1 1,166]

Sumptuous pass there,

[ja1 1,166]

Chalobah off 80th minute, pretty good from him. Not at his influential best.

[ja1 1,166]

I liked in the first half when he dropped to CB sometimes, was marshalling the defence and instructing players around him to get in line.

[ja1 1,166]

Sako goal

[ja1 1,166]

http://www.regista-blog.com/2013/02/chalobah-a-new-hope-for-chelsea/

Blog post from a Watford fan, also rated him very highly,

[ja1 1,166]

Zola rested him (he often does for midweek games which is quite smart/responsible, doesn't want to burn Chalobah out), but Watford found themselves 1-0 down HT.

Chalobah comes on at the beginning of the second half, and Watford win 2-1..

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDAQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DIRoh62wRgkc&ei=V-k2UdnKNM6rPLimgYAG&usg=AFQjCNGMfkhO34AKT1xDTYSJB-aSsZPWgw&sig2=0_i1tKosrfxrjl9kS9pzGw

[The Skipper 20,609]

And Watford move to second place...

[robsblubot 3,595]

Finally got to watch a few videos of him... Seems to be a natural footballer, not that similar in characteristics to Lampard IMO. More of a Pivot type--reminds me of Spurs' Dembele in the way he touches and moves.

Should be ready as a squad player-could be using him right now I reckon.

[Leif 6,006]

Every single time he's been rested, I believe Watford have conceded the first goal in all but 1 game. Says quite a bit!

[The only place to be 11,313]

Finally got to watch a few videos of him... Seems to be a natural footballer, not that similar in characteristics to Lampard IMO. More of a Pivot type--reminds me of Spurs' Dembele in the way he touches and moves.

Should be ready as a squad player-could be using him right now I reckon.

Agree. I think he's exceeded all expectations and I'd include him in the squad this summer and give him a fair shot at fighting for a first team spot.

[Mufassir08 2,400]

Agree. I think he's exceeded all expectations and I'd include him in the squad this summer and give him a fair shot at fighting for a first team spot.

Concurred i believe the way he is progressing i wont be surprised if he becomes a very important asset to our team sooner rather then later.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Started for England u21s against Romania tonight.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Thought he was fantastic last night and the standout midfielder in a team that had Shelvey and Henderson in it. His reading of the game is just miles ahead of other players and he moved the ball around beautifully.

I just want to see this kid thrown in the first-team ahead of Mikel because he seems to step up to every challenge thrown at him. Not for the first time this season, everything just looked easy for him.

[Rekin 835]

Thought he was fantastic last night and the standout midfielder in a team that had Shelvey and Henderson in it. His reading of the game is just miles ahead of other players and he moved the ball around beautifully.

I just want to see this kid thrown in the first-team ahead of Mikel because he seems to step up to every challenge thrown at him. Not for the first time this season, everything just looked easy for him.

I have been thinking for some time about the future of Chelsea's midfield.

It is obvious that Chelsea have some problems with the defensive part of it, as the attacking part is overcrowded as it is. People have suggested the likes of De Rossi, KDB, Oscar, Fellaini etc but personally I think that this tactical problem have a quite simple and not too expensive solution.

Back when we played 4-3-3 I used to think that we had a astonishing trio behind the attackers in Lampard, Essien and Makelele. They fitted each other perfectly with their playing styles and skills, and it is no coincident that we did so well back then. I think the way to go is to try and emulate that.

Obviously no player is the same, and it would need some modifications depending on what player would be in what role, but it should be possible.

The Lampard role would fit Oscar nicely, he has shown that he has more than enough quality to do well there. KDB could also play there. The more difficult roles to fill are those of Essien and Makelele. Mikel comes to mind for Makelele of course as he has been playing a similar role, in theory, for quite a while. I personally do not rate him however and I think that we lack a natural successor in the team today.

My first choice for this position would be Capoue. I know that he has attracted a difference in opinions, but I think that he is perfect for that role. Calm passing, strong body and is at his best under pressure. I know I would feel relaxed with him at the back. He is also at the perfect age with his best years just ahead of him. Decent price aswell.

So this leaves the Essien role, in which I can see Chalobah. He still has a lot to do before he is ready, but he has shown the capacity to be able to be a good fit. He too plays well under pressure, is strong and often makes the right decisions. The difference is that he also has offensive qualities, such as being a explosive player, intelligent passing and a good mix of anticipation and movement.

I would like to see him play regularly in the PL for a whole season first though before a possible move back to Chelsea. He would also have to to well during that season of course. It is even possible that he would need more than that, it is always hard to say with youngsters. The point is that I believe him to be our successor to Essien.