Liverpool and Arsenal exposed the many flaws Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side have carried early this season even with a couple of last minute additions to the squad on deadline day. Even though the Blues beat Hull City a few hours ago, the manager was clearly not happy with the squad at his disposal and has been linked with a number of star European players for a move in January.
The manager has still not been able to decide on his best playing XI yet this season and is also looking to sell players who don’t fit the bill to raise money for his targets. One such player who is now strongly linked with a move away from the club is Brazilian midfielder, Oscar. The Brazilian didn’t start the game against Hull.
The 25-year old moved to Chelsea back in 2012 and has made 127 appearances for his side so far. Primarily an attacking midfielder through the middle, Oscar has played in almost every position in the midfield for the Blues over the years and has been a valuable player for the side.
Though his return of just 22 goals in more than 120 appearances paints a dull picture, the Brazilian has been more than a decent player for his side. He has made 6 starts so far this season but having not been able to provide too much assistance in attack, he is reportedly up for sale for the right price in January.
Italian giants AC Milan, who are close to a huge Chinese takeover, are planning a January spending spree and are ready to pounce on the Brazilian who is on the top of their wish-list. But it would be a huge loss for Conte if he gets rid of the Brazilian halfway through this season.
The former Italian boss is looking to offload players to fund incoming transfers but in January, it will be hard for the manager to lure players of his choice from big clubs. There is every chance that the attacking midfield position may not be filled up by the deadline day in the next window and it will only add more destitution to the already tough job at the Stamford Bridge.
The likes of Fabregas and may be even Eden Hazard, are the only world class options for the manager in a playmaking role, and letting go of a player with loads of potential at 25 is nothing short of a blunder.
An honest and hardworking footballer, Oscar, is a decent player with more than decent technique. On his day, he can score some superb goals and also create chances for his side and is a player who adds value to the squad. He is disciplined and keeps his game simple, and though he has not been able to have an impact this season in general, he has scored a couple of goals already. He is a gifted player with nimble feet while his ability to find his player constantly is commendable.
He has been at the club for a long time now and is integral to the squad this season. Replacing him with a player who has no previous experience at the club and asking him to help the side in the second half of the season might not be advisable. The 25-year still has loads of room for improvement and will only get better the more game time he gets.
So Conte should give him some time and can get rid of him in the summer if he is really not fitting in. Do you think Oscar should be sold in January?
