Kenedy's loan to Watford is chance to prove suitability for Antonio Conte's tactics
In the least surprising news you’ll hear today – Chelsea have loaned out another prospect. It’s Kenedy.
You get a loan, you get a loan, everybody gets a loan! Originally reported on Twitter by Sky Sports, a season-long loan move for Brazilian winger/full-back Kenedy to Watford has been confirmed by Chelsea.
Kenedy has today joined Watford on loan until the end of the season…https://t.co/wlna7k3Z1z
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 30, 2016
Linked with a move away for the majority of the summer, Kenedy has finally been given a chance to showcase his qualities elsewhere.
He joined from Fluminense in August 2015. Starting only six games, appearing off the bench in a further 14. Despite only 877 minutes of action, Kenedy scored two goals and assisted on one.
In a season banished from Chelsea fans’ recent memory, the Brazilian showed flashes of promise and individual brilliance. His goal mere seconds into the game against Norwich springs to mind.
#8 Kenedy vs Norwich. pic.twitter.com/frrbG5JlYc
— Hazardous (@Hazardous10_) May 23, 2016
Yet it appeared that between the two managers in charge last season, neither knew Kenedy’s best position. He was switched between left-back and left-wing frequently.
His versatility along the left flank lead many to wonder if he would be perfectly suited to the wing-back position employed in Antonio Conte’s five man midfield.
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However, the news of this deal indicates that he is not immediately in the new manager’s plans. Perhaps he has been deemed not yet ready for the position.
What a loan to Watford offers is the chance to test Kenedy out in the role.
In the three games played so far new manager Walter Mazzarri has used the 3-5-2 and 3-1-4-2 formations (essentially the same). Kenedy could immediately slot into that left-sided midfielder/wing-back role currently occupied by Jose Holebas.
Loaning youth players to bottom-half Premier League clubs is something Chelsea should get into the habit of doing more often. It allows the players to adapt to the pace of the top flight, without being re-located thousands of miles away for a short period. A loan to Watford certainly trumps a switch to Vitesse or Kasimpasa.
Last season Nathan Ake joined Watford for the season and won their Young Player of the Season award. Chelsea will hope Kenedy follows suit and can show that he deserves a place in whatever system Conte chooses to deploy at Stamford Bridge.
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