Kenedy has revealed that it is his ‘dream’ to have a good season playing for Chelsea in the upcoming campaign.
Having spent the past 18 months out on loan at Newcastle United, the Brazilian has admitted he is grateful for the opportunities that Frank Lampard has afforded him throughout pre-season and is hoping that he will be given the chance to prove himself for the Blues in competitive action.
“I am very happy with the amount of minutes I played in Japan,” he told the official Chelsea website. “It was a great experience. I am really pleased for the opportunity the manager is giving me and the amount I have been playing in pre-season. When I was at Chelsea before I played a lot as a left-back, but now I have been playing further forward. My past experiences as a left-back have helped me be a better player now.”
He went on to add that his time at Newcastle had helped him adapt and learn a lot about his game, but admitted that he wanted to prove himself at Stamford Bridge.
“I learned a lot from my time there,” he added. “I was very happy with the amount I played. It was a great experience for me so I must say thanks to the club and the manager. Now I have to start again here at Chelsea and work hard, step by step. My hope now is to do a great season here at Chelsea. That is my dream.”
Still only 23-years-old, Kenedy has not had it all his own way since being at Chelsea. The Brazilian was featured sporadically during Guus Hiddink’s tenure in temporary charge in 2015/16 as he managed to make 20 appearances, scoring twice (Transfermarkt).
Antonio Conte only used him a handful of times before sending him out on loan to Newcastle, where Maurizio Sarri appeared happy enough to let him stay last season as he completed an 18-month spell at St. James’ Park.
However, Lampard appears to have given him his chance to shine in pre-season, as he was given minutes against Barcelona most recently, and has also publicly stated that Kenedy has given himself a great case of staying in SW6 for the upcoming campaign.
“If Kenedy continues to show the attitude and play the way he did today he is making a great case to stay having been on loan in recent seasons. Nobody is in or out of the squad or has had a line drawn under or over them. Everybody is competing to stay in it,” he said following the defeat to Kawasaki Frontale.
But, the 23-year-old would have his work cut out if he wanted to feature regularly in the first-team. With the likes of Willian, Pedro and Christian Pulisic all being able to play on the left-hand side of the midfield, chances could be few and far between.
As noted by WhoScored, Willian provided more assists than anyone with six whilst he had more shots on average at goal (1.9). Pedro outclassed everyone else in terms of goals scored (eight) and his successful pass percentage was 86.5%, significantly better than Kenedy’s 72.3%.
With Pulisic arriving for an alleged £58million fee coupled with the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid this summer, it would be difficult to see the United States of America international be left out of the side – especially following his showing at the Gold Cup as he was named the Young Player of the competition.
With so many options available to Lampard, it will be interesting to see if Kenedy is given the opportunity to prove himself in the Chelsea first-team in competitive football.
Going based on last season’s stats, it could be difficult to see the Brazilian getting that chance. However, Lampard’s public response about the 23-year-old may go in his favour.
With the transfer deadline not until 8 August, it could be a tense and nervy few weeks for Kenedy if he is to realise his dream in the upcoming campaign.
Chelsea fans, do you think Kenedy is good enough for a first-team place at Stamford Bridge? Let us know your thoughts by sharing them in the comments section below!
