Chelsea's midfield is looking terrific in the future. With such talents as Oscar, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle among others, this team has enough young talent up in the midfield to sustain it for years to come. Now, Chelsea has added Burkina Faso's talented Bertrand Traore to the mix.
The 18-year-old is not major piece of the team's search for a Premier League or UEFA Champions League title. However, his four and a half year contract means that he will grow with many of the players on the current roster and become a major piece in years to come.
"I'm an attacking midfielder. I can play in the No. 10 position, I can play on the wings and I'm good on the ball. I can shoot well and am strong in a one vs. one situation, so I can score goals," said Traore about his role, according to ESPN. "My favorite players are Juan Mata, Mesut Ozil and Eden Hazard. They're very good players and I am trying to be like them. At Chelsea I look to follow the way of some African legends like Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and now Samuel Eto'o."
Traore's inclusion could spell doom for one player at Chelsea. Juan Mata is also a noted attacking midfielder, and at 26 years old, his value is particularly high. Mourinho recently stated that the door was "open" if Mata wanted to leave and it is likely that the move for Traore makes the Spaniard indispensible. Mata could fetch a wealthy return on the market for a team looking to build its midfield. Mata has struggled for Chelsea this season due to limited game time and has just two assists in 13 matches.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction