The way Cesare Casadei has been treated in the last couple of months by Chelsea has been pretty frustrating.
Despite developing and playing during a loan spell with Championship leaders Leicester City this season, Chelsea opted to recall him in January and he’s been making up the numbers ever since at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been cup tied and unavailable for the two domestic cup competitions, so his only game time since returning is a couple of late substitute appearances in the Premier League.
We think Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino now has the golden opportunity to make it up to the £12 million youngster (The Guardian).
In our view, the Blues should put Cesare Casadei into the starting line-up for the upcoming league match versus Newcastle United.
Chelsea’s midfield trio has picked itself in the last few weeks, with Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher the ever-presents most games. However, the latter’s struggled with illness this week and perhaps he’s left the door ajar into the XI at home to Newcastle.
Speaking via Chelsea’s YouTube channel in yesterday’s pre-match press conference, Pochettino shared that Gallagher has not been in training yet this week because of illness. Therefore, he’s a fitness doubt going into Monday night’s game with Newcastle, albeit he’s not been completely ruled out.
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We’d like to see Casadei come into the team as a like-for-like replacement for Gallagher.
Cesare Casadei should start against Newcastle
It would be great for Casadei’s patience to be rewarded with a start, even if he gives us an hour flat out.
In fairness, we think the Italian youngster does look like a less polished version of Gallagher.
He’ll provide a goal threat with his forward runs from midfield. Plus, he’s got a physical frame and must be desperate for a proper chance to play.
With numbers short in midfield right now, there’s no excuse for Casadei to be overlooked again. He’s definitely worth looking at from the start in a match after we interrupted his progress out on loan.
