Now or never for Saul Niguez at Chelsea

James Shearman

• 1 Dec 2021 09:33 CST
• 4 min read

Chelsea completed the loan signing of Saul Niguez with just minutes to spare on transfer deadline day, rounding off a successful window.

The Spaniard, alongside star man Romelu Lukaku, added further experience and depth to the squad that won the Champions League three months prior.

However, while life at Stamford Bridge hasn't been plain-sailing for the Belgian forward, Saul's lack of involvement has been particularly disappointing.

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Since the 27-year-old's dreadful debut against Aston Villa, he has only featured in two minutes of Premier League action.

But, all hope is not lost as Chelsea's injury crisis could provide a second chance.

Saul's time to shine?

Injuries to Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho mean that Blues boss Thomas Tuchel will have no choice but to use Saul over the busy Christmas period.

In fact, the former Atletico Madrid man is expected to start in Wednesday's Premier League match against Watford.

And while it's fair to say the German hasn't been impressed with him so far, especially given the following comments, there is just about enough time before the January window to change his mind.

"I think every single player needs his time to adapt and Saul needed his time. He competes with a lot of high quality players in midfield," Tuchel said at a press conference.

"We need to understand him a bit better, not in terms of language, but in terms of what is his real strength, the detail of the player, what can he add to the squad, where is his maybe unique quality and it was not easy.

"In the moment, where we have injured players in the midfield, even Jorgi doubtful for tomorrow, it’s the moment for him to be ready and I have the feeling since many days that he is ready and can show what he wants to show."

A partnership of Saul and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could simultaneously end up playing out as a battle between the two for the Blues' fourth midfield spot.

Indeed, the Spaniard was brought in to occupy that role, but Loftus-Cheek has shown his best form since tearing his Achilles tendon over two years ago.

As such, the academy graduate had moved ahead in the pecking order, as well as the almost forgotten man Ross Barkley.

Both players have enjoyed more gametime than Saul this season, highlighting just how far the 26-year-old's stock has plummeted since his outrageous solo effort against Bayern Munich in 2016.

So, with Tuchel set to call upon the expensive loanee for the first time in months, it really is last chance saloon - or a return to Spain awaits.