Chelsea BARGAIN signing shines on debut
Robin Bairner
- 18 Sept 2023 12:57 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea spent a total of €460 million in the summer transfer window, and while it has been a mixed bag for many of Mauricio Pochettino’s new boys, a player who arrived at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer has made an eye-catching start.
Diego Moreira joined the Blues on loan from Benfica but, having played just two games at senior level, was moved on to Lyon on a loan deal.
OL may be struggling badly – one of just three teams across Europe’s Big 5 leagues to have not taken the lead in a game this season – but the 19-year-old made a very positive impact on his Ligue 1 bow in a scoreless draw against Le Havre.
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The teenager may only have played 13 minutes, but he quickly won over the Lyon support in that time, offering a direct presence down the right side and generating the type of excitement that the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki had struggled with previously.
In that short time, Moreira created two chances, had two efforts on goal and competed in four duels, winning half of those. It was a contribution that new head coach Fabio Grosso, who will take charge this week, will have taken note of when watching from the stand.
The attitude the player brought to the field was impressive and suggests that he is bound for a good deal more game time this season.
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Diego Moreira v Le Havre
| Minutes | 13 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Passing | 78% |
| Duels won | 2/4 |
Diego Moreira reacts to Lyon debut
Speaking after the game, he said: “There is frustration, but I am very happy to have been able to make my debut tonight. We had a lot of chances, but we lacked efficiency.
“The team helped me a lot to integrate this week even if we are not in our best period, but it will come back.”
Lyon failed to qualify for European competition this season and are next in action against second placed Brest on Saturday.
