Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko is AC Milan’s best player with stats to prove it
French midfielder failed to impress at Stamford Bridge and made atrocious start to life in Italy
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TIEMOUE BAKAYOKO may yet have a role to play at Chelsea after emerging as one of AC Milan’s key players this month.
The former Monaco man was unceremoniously shipped out by Maurizio Sarri during the summer after a disastrous debut season in West London.
Bakayoko had been brought in after Antonio Conte’s Premier League title win as a replacement for Manchester United-bound Nemanja Matic.
But the Frenchman quickly became a laughing stock as a series of inept performances highlighted him as a major weak link in the Blues XI.
Bakayoko looked to be heading in the same direction upon his arrival in Italy, with new boss Gennaro Gattuso almost writing him off in a press conference after some shocking games.
The midfielder was then linked with a move to relegation candidates Fulham, with reports claiming Milan would pull the plug on his loan in January.
Does Bakayoko have a future at Chelsea?
By Anthony Chapman
CHELSEA fans don't need to be reminded of Tiemoue Bakayoko's disastrous season at Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder couldn't put a foot right despite having N'Golo Kante and three centre-backs covering him.
Bakayoko was still ineffective when Antonio Conte dropped his third forward to include an extra man in the middle.
But he finally looks to have turned a corner at AC Milan.
Bakayoko's recent form has been nothing short of incredible, with his performances reminscent of that fantastic year at Monaco.
The Frenchman has the ideal profile to become a devastating box-to-box midfielder.
And maybe he just need some time away from London to ease the pressure that was immediately dumped on his shoulders in the wake of Nemanja Matic's exit.
Maurizio Sarri recently revealed his worry at having so many attack-minded central midfielders, and Bakayoko could return to play a big part in the club's future.
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But Bakayoko looks to have finally won over the San Siro faithful after proving his worth in the famous red and white jersey.
Incredible stats from Gazzetta dello Sport show in his last three games, Bakayoko has won more duels (26), more aerial duels (eight) and recovered more balls (24) than any of his teammates.
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The Ligue 1 winner also made seven tackles and complete six dribbles in that time, while his passing is improving as well.
It all spells good news for Chelsea, who spent £40million on Bakayoko, and the ace could prove to be a valuable member of Sarri’s squad next season should he continue to improve.
