What the hell has happened to Saul Niguez?
Martin Macdonald
- 8 Nov 2021 06:55 CST
- 4 min read
In the dying minutes of transfer deadline day, Chelsea managed to secure the loan signing of Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid.
It was a move that suited all parties as Thomas Tuchel wanted another body in midfield, Atletico were happy enough to let their player leave, while Saul himself had previously stated a desire for a new challenge away from the Spanish capital.
A permanent deal was initially desired, but due to the proximity to the deadline, a loan deal was agreed with the option to buy in the summer of 2022.
It is looking increasingly likely that Chelsea will not exercise their option to purchase Saul.
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In fact, FootballTransfers previously detailed how the Spaniard is one of six players who Tuchel is looking to move on in the January transfer window, which would mean the loan deal being terminated after just six months.
Why haven't things worked out for Saul at Chelsea?
Saul was given a baptism of fire on his debut, which came in a Premier League encounter versus Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
He started the game, but struggled to get to grips with the pace of the action and was dispossessed more than once in dangerous areas.
It was his first time playing in England, so could have been forgiven for his performance, but Tuchel wasn't so understanding and took Saul off at half-time.
“It was a hard decision, but he was struggling, and I take the responsibility for that,” said Tuchel after the game, which Chelsea would go on to win 3-0.
“I put him into a difficult match after a national break, and it was hard to adapt to the physicality and in general for him, intensity and high pressing.
“It was also a bit hard for him to adapt to our system. So we thought to give a bit more stability and switch the shape to 5-3-2 in the second half with Jorginho.”
Though those comments suggested Saul would eventually feature more, he hasn't really, at least not in the Premier League.
He has been limited to just one subsequent appearance in the top flight - a two-minute cameo off the bench against Newcastle.
The former Atletico man has started two matches in the League Cup, neither of which Chelsea won in 90 minutes.
Players naturally need time to adapt to life in another country and league, but the signs so far are not good for Saul.
Tuchel's promise to Saul
When asked why Saul was not receiving more game time, Tuchel responded saying chances will come.
"He does not need to worry. Just work hard and adapt and the chances will come," the German told reporters.
"We have only 11 to give a chance. I would like to see it in a positive way.
"If you turn it around of course you have eight players who we didn’t trust today from the beginning. This is a reality. I cannot hide from this reality.
"I will always do my choices in the best belief for the team and best belief in this moment and for these type of games. There will always be tactical choices and choices of current form and of connections on the field.
"Particularly about Saul, he was very, very close to start today. In the end I decided against him because I thought to put him in another high pressing match, an opponent pressing so high in the centre of the pitch, would it be fair to say 'okay, now prove it and let’s see if your adaption has gone further' and I hesitated a little bit.
"I have to take the selection and take the responsibility for the selection and eight players today did not like it. It is also life at Chelsea and we have to keep on going and keep everyone positive.
"The guys have to work for their form because form is most important – form and confidence and a positive attitude. He has everything."
What next for Saul?
Unfortunately for Saul, he is now the fifth choice for a spot in Chelsea's central midfield area, with Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and now Ruben Loftus-Cheek ahead of him in the pecking order.
Unless Chelsea suffer a raft of injuries in that area, it seems unlikely that Saul will be given the chance to impress.
Appearances may come here and there, but he will be unable to fully adapt to the English game unless he receives regular playing time.
Things have reached the point where Chelsea would arguably be willing to let Saul return to Atletico early due to his lack of impact.
Chelsea, Atletico and Saul himself need to decide whether this has simply been an experiment that has not worked out.
