Callum has been at Chelsea since he was 8 years old and has been part of the Chelsea youth set up where he’s won two F.A Youth Cup’s and one Under 18’s Premier League title. He was also a vital player in England’s Under 17 World Cup victory in 2017.
Callum was handed his Premier League debut last season under Antonio Conte coming on as a substitute in a home defeat to Bournemouth.
It was apparent to all Chelsea fans in the summer of last year that we had a real talent on our hands as he impressed during some pre season games, especially against Arsenal. It was soon announced by Maurizio Sarri that Callum would not leave on loan and would be part of the first team squad.
As we well know Chelsea have been poor at developing young youth players and integrating them into the first team. Players often get loaned out and forgotten about. Lewis Baker, Josh McEachran, Patrick Bamford and Nathaniel Chalobah to name a few and John Terry only being our real success story in the last 20 years.
Callum has probably seen this over the years at Chelsea and has more than likely questioned whether he’ll get a fair opportunity in the first team squad.
I’ve often found that in season’s where Chelsea have been successful us as fans have overlooked the youth and we only start to recognise them when the team are struggling for form.
‘Sarriball’ (a term I dislike) is all about 1-2 touch quick football in possession and high pressing when you don’t have it. It’s clear to all that this doesn’t suit large parts of our ageing squad. I pick out Willian and Pedro not because I dislike them but because they are not the future of our club and I feel Callum should be replacing one of them regularly despite his age.
Callum has been limited this season to Europa League & domestic Cup games and still not always starting these matches. Despite limited appearances he has impressed in these games and scored a few goals along the way. Many Chelsea fans sing his name in games to encourage Maurizio Sarri to bring him on!
Callum has seen many young players excel at different top clubs and being given an opportunity to play regularly. Jadon Sancho is the obvious example leaving England to excel in Germany. Other success stories include Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Winks, Rashford, Lingard etc.
Under Maurizio Sarri Callum is yet to make a Premier League start and I feel in a transitional season with a transfer ban looming this is unacceptable. The club refused a transfer request from Callum in January from Bayern Munich when some big money was offered and to be honest I didn’t really blame him!
As we well know Callum was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad recently. Coming on as a substitute at Wembley against the Czech Republic and playing 90 minutes in Montenegro in Euro 2020 qualifiers. Gareth spoke very highly of him and was pleased with his performances and attitude.
If only Maurizio could have the same faith! The way Callum has dealt with suffering racism playing for Chelsea and England recently has been professional and commending in such horrible circumstances.
I don’t think Callum is the finished article by any stretch but I certainly feel he warrants a starting position in this team. Maurizio has to start playing him or we face the unthinkable possibility of him leaving the club. In all honesty I wouldn’t be surprised if he did.
Over to you Maurizio Sarri….