Ex-Chelsea scout slammed by Wright for Gomez, Sancho & Dele decisions

Cameron Smith

• 26 Feb 2024 07:03 CST
• 5 min read

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has slammed a former Chelsea scout, who decided against recommending Dele Alli, Joe Gomez and Jadon Sancho to the Blues.

Dele played a key role in Mauricio Pochettino’s high-flying Tottenham Hotspur team during the mid-to-late 2010s, Gomez has been a crucial team player under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, while Sancho shone at Borussia Dortmund before his disappointing time at Manchester United began.

Chelsea had the opportunity to sign all three players during their early teenage years, but the Blues decided against it after one former scout felt as though they weren’t necessary signing.

In a video posted by Rising Ballers, the unnamed ex-Chelsea scout detailed why he opted against recommending Dele, Gomez and Sancho, to the anger of Wright.

What has been said?

“The players were Dele Alli, who I saw when he was playing first-team football for MK Dons at about 17 [years old] and I didn't feel he was better than [players] we already had at Chelsea in Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lewis Baker,” the former Chelsea scout said. “Now, was I right? Yes, I was at the time I believe.

“Lots of clubs and lots of other scouts at Chelsea came to the same conclusion. So it wasn’t just me.

He continued: “Joe Gomez when he was at Charlton, [he’d have] been about 16 or 17 years of age.

“I thought he was a good athlete, I didn't think he was a great footballer. He’s gone and done okay, hasn’t he?

“And Jadon Sancho. I saw Jadon when he was an Under 14 playing as a striker for Watford. I thought he was alright. He was just okay.

“Interestingly, Joe Gomez is not a regular in the Liverpool team, Dele Alli is not playing top level necessarily now and Jadon Sancho can’t get a game at united, so maybe I wasn't as daft as I felt like I was at the time.”

In the comments section, Wright outlined his thoughts, stating: “You were wrong! That all made it and played at big clubs and England! Trying to justify poor decisions!”

Although Dele and Sancho may have endured a tricky few years both on and off the field, both have displayed their immense talent in the past, with the former enjoying his best spell as a footballer under current Chelsea manager Pochettino.

As for Gomez, he has been a reliable asset for several years at Liverpool and his ability to cover multiple positions is a hugely valuable trait.