Four Reasons Why Ola Aina Should Stay At Chelsea & Fight For A Place

Published: July 28, 2018

Chelsea's Nigerian defender, Ola Aina will undoubtedly feel hard done by if new manager, Maurizio Sarri does not find a way of integrating him into the team when the new season gets underway.

In Sarri's first game in charge of the Blues which took place at the Optus Stadium in Perth four days ago, the versatile player replaced Davide Zappacosta after 73 minutes and went on to put in a good shift for the team.

It could mean that the he will go on to become an important part of this team, having had little opportunity to prove his worth since debuting under Antonio Conte in 2016 when he was replaced by legendary defender, John Terry in a League Cup game in 2016.

Below are a few of the reasons why he should grab any chance he gets now by the scruff of the neck..

1) Chelsea's need for more options in defense: Though Chelsea are not thin to the bone in the rear positions, Aina will fancy his chances of wresting any of the wing positions in defence from Cesar Azpilicueta, Davide Zappacosta or his compatriot, Victor Moses.

He has the quality whatsoever to contend with any of those players. The hunger for success and that drive to usurp those more established options will prove decisive.

2) His versatility across the defensive line bodes well for him: Aina can play on both sides of the defensive line or as a defensive midfielder on the right — a quality that might just ensure that there is need for the player to stick around.

3) The club seem to have finally shown some measure of trust in him: During the transfer window, Chelsea have loaned out over 20 of their players to continue their developments elsewhere in the upcoming season but have deemed it necessary to have Aina around.

That could mean this is the time he finally emerges to play some more prominent role in the team.

4) Sarri's indulgence in giving younger players a chance might be of benefit: The Italian, in his first game at the helm, named three teenage players in his starting XI (Ethan Amapadu, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Marcin Bulka) while also giving game time to youngsters Charly Musonda, Mario Päsalíc and Tammy Abraham.

It could be that he is a handler looking to make the best of the players the club have developed by themselves and this Aina should take advantage of.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : instagram.com/olaaina2