Player Focus: Recent Chelsea Outings Hint There's More to Come From Baba
Guus Hiddink has certainly overseen an improvement in form as Chelsea manager. Following the Dutchman’s return, the Blues have lost only one of their 13 competitive games in the Dutchman’s second reign, that coming in a 2-1 defeat at PSG last week, a match they were expected to lose prior to kick off. Nevertheless, John Obi Mikel’s goal on the stroke of half time gives the Blues a real chance in the return leg at Stamford Bridge next month.
Mikel is one of the players whose Chelsea career has been revived on the back of Hiddink’s return. “If you speak to the players, 98 or 99% of them want him to stay,” the Nigerian recently told the Guardian when asked if he hopes Hiddink stays on in West London at the end of the season. Diego Costa, Oscar and Cesc Fabregas, to name three, are among those likely to have thrown their support behind the permanent appointment of Hiddink.
One imagines Baba Rahman is another who would welcome a decision to retain Hiddink. While the defence has been ravaged by injuries to centre-backs Kurt Zouma and John Terry in recent weeks, Baba has been presented with the chance to live up to his considerable price tag. Following his arrival from Augsburg for a reported £14m, the Ghanaian initially struggled in England. However, a few months into his time at the club would certainly have been too quick to judge the young left-back.
A vast majority of the Chelsea players underwhelmed at the beginning of the season as Jose Mourinho struggled in his third campaign during his second spell at Stamford Bridge. Baba was arguably among those, with the defender flattering to deceive in the sporadic action he was given under his former boss. Of course, any player switching leagues is liable to falter initially, but the 21-year-old failed to make the desired impression when handed a rare opportunity to do so.
Cesar Azpilicueta had established himself as the club’s starting left-back, with the Spaniard’s solidity keeping Filipe Luis out of the side last season. The Brazilian was sold back to Atletico Madrid after a solitary year in England, with Baba his replacement. There seemed a distinct possibility that something similar could happen for the youngster, particularly given he needs adequate game time to fulfill his undoubted potential.
While an injury crisis is never welcomed, Baba is doing all he can to nail down a regular starting berth, even once Branislav Ivanovic reverts to right-back. Having replaced Terry towards the end of the first half in the 5-1 win over Newcastle, Baba was arguably Chelsea's best player in the 2-1 defeat to PSG and impressed again in the 5-1 thumping of Manchester City.
Baba was the Blues’ highest rated player against PSG (7.61), making more interceptions (6) than any other player. Only Azpilicueta (6) made more tackles than the young full-back (4) of all Chelsea stars, with a sublime cross picking out Diego Costa for Chelsea's best chance of the game. Against City on Sunday, he made more tackles (5) than any other player. Only goalscorer Gary Cahill (8.75) gained a better WhoScored rating than Baba (7.58) of all Chelsea defenders in the win.
In the wake of Chelsea’s injury problems, Baba’s grabbing his chance to establish himself for the Blues with both hands. While he may be unable to showcase his attacking talents as frequently as he was allowed to at Augsburg, his defensive discipline is now beginning to improve having been called into question in his initial outings for the club.
His starting position may have been exposed on numerous occasions in his early Chelsea career, but his positional sense has developed, all the more so with Hiddink at the helm. Having played influential roles in their recent games, one would not bet against Baba continuing in the side for the time being, even once Terry returns to fitness.
Given the relative success of the defence, Hiddink may opt to persist with Ivanovic at centre-back alongside one of Terry or Gary Cahill, especially given Azpilicueta’s consistency in either full-back berth. Coupled with the defensive solidity he provides at the back, it lessens the chances of Chelsea being caught out down the wings, meaning Hiddink could continue with Azpilicueta and Baba on the right and left respectively.
When asked after the PSG defeat whether fans had seen the best of the player, Baba replied: “Well no, because I try to improve game after game and you want to try bit by bit.” Indeed, Baba remains far from the finished article, but his recent performances have proven there is far more to come from the Ghana international.
With Kurt Zouma and John Terry sidelined in recent weeks, Baba Rahman has had a chance to impress due to a reshuffle at the back and he has managed to do just that. Nevertheless, with Terry thought to be back in contention as soon as this weekend the youngster’s place could come under threat. If he does feature against Southampton I’m backing a tight game, but would be reluctant to buy shares north of £0.25 in the Buabook match market.
What do you make of Baba's performances in his recent outings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
