Academy talent to “challenge Sancho’s place” after another poor performance says BBC pundit | OneFootball

Chelsea have just put in another really disappointing attacking performance, this time against Brighton in the FA Cup.

There were plenty of first team starters out there, including Jadon Sancho, but they barely created anything.

On BBC 5 Live, Matt Jarvis noted how disappointing the former Man U winger had been:

“[Brighton defender] Joel Veltman has been on a yellow card since the first half but Jadon Sancho has not been able to take him on. He’s turned back so many times and that’s probably why Enzo Maresca has made that substitution.”

For all of Sancho’s qualities, that is our main frustration with him summed up perfectly. Because he just lacks that explosive first step or lightning pace to get past players, he so often turns back and plays it safe. Sometimes that’s what you want – and Enzo Maresca is generally happy with him doing that and leaving the risk taking to Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer – but tonight was set up for him to attack.

Veltman is old and slow, and on a yellow, as Jarvis points out. This was the moment to exploit him, but instead Sancho played as safe as though his team were 2-0 up and cruising.

Tyrique George can be the real winner from Sancho slump

Tyrique George in action for Chelsea. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The man who replaced Sancho is far more direct and dynamic. Tyrique George is one of the academy’s shining lights and Jarvis has backed him to make an impact:

“I am really interested to see how Tyrique George does because this is a great chance for him to get into this team as Sancho is not really lighting up at the moment.”

With Sancho not at his best in recent weeks, Joao Felix loaned out and Mykhailo Mudryk on a doping ban, the path to first team minutes has never been so clear for George.