It's Tuesday, so it's time to look at how Chelsea's loanees did this week (while not posing as puppies). Why don't we get right to the fun stuff?
- Romelu Lukaku (West Bromwich Albion): Lukaku had a quiet week on the pitch, as he was not allowed to take part when West Brom faced Chelsea due to FA loan regulations. We do have something for you to watch anyway though, as he did an interview on Belgian TV that absolutely need to be watched. The CC option in the bottom right is probably worth using if your ability to translate the Belgian interview isn't up to par.
- Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid): Courtois had a pair of games this week, one of which actually saw him tested fairly regularly. the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Sevilla ended in a 2-2 draw that will see Atletico paired with Real Madrid for the final. It was a much quieter weekend for Courtois, as Malaga only attempted six shots during the contest.
- Michael Essien (Real Madrid): The Bison was involved in a pair of victories over Barcelona this week. He came off the bench as a late sub in the Copa del Rey semifinal victory, and then started over the weekend in the second La Liga matchup of the season between the rivals. It's hard to watch him playing fairly well in Madrid and thinking he wouldn't add valuable depth to Chelsea's squad right now.
- Lucas Piazon (Malaga): Piazon was given another start by Manuel Pellegrini against Atletico, and he was quite impressive in this one as well. He was probably the only player in Malaga's attack that had a decent game when his side had the ball, but what really stood out to me was his excellent work when his side did not have possession. He looked excellent when being asked to pressure the ball, and managed to come up with 8 tackles and a pair of interceptions from an advanced central position. He's been impressive when he's on the pitch, and the move to Malaga doesn't appear to be too aggressive.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Werder Bremen): Werder Bremen are not a very good side, but De Bruyne had another excellent week for the struggling club. Want a gaudy looking number from this weekend's 1-0 loss? He connected 10 of the 16 times he attempted to cross the ball, which is just an absolutely silly total.
- Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburger SV): Bruma was again starting a match from the bench as HSV dropped two points to Greuther Furth. He was brought on in the games final moments, but wasn't on for long enough for anyone to even take note.
- Matej Delac (Inter Zapresic): Delac continued to start, and looked pretty solid in a 2-1 loss to Zagreb this weekend. A good close to the season could go a long way towards reviving Delac's once promising status, especially with Croatia gaining EU status in July.
- Tomas Kalas, Patrick van Aanholt, Gael Kakuta (Vitesse Arnhem): The Chelsea trio all started and played a solid 90 minutes over the weekend, a game that Vitesse won 2-0. That's now three straight wins for Vitesse, which leaves them only three points adrift of Ajax for the second Eredivisie Champions League place.
- Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag): Omeruo continued to be a regular in the starting lineup, putting in another quality performance against Heracles. The rumors continue to circulate that Chelsea are strongly considering him for a first team role next year, so he'll be one to keep a close eye on going forward.
- Amin Affane (Roda JC): Affane found his way into the Roda doghouse last week, and this week there were some talks of the Dutch club sending him back to Chelsea. It seems likely at this point that the young Swede has played his last game for Roda, and will probably be finding a new home this summer when his contract expires.
- Thorgan Hazard (Zulte-Waregem): Of all the Chelsea players on loan, Thorgan Hazard was probably the best of them this week. He was outstanding as his side managed to defeat Aderlecht 1-0 mid-week, and his perfect corner in the dying moments this weekend set up the dramatic Zulte winner. Chelsea will need to be much more aggressive with his next loan assignment, as he's quickly outgrowing Belgium.
- Josh McEachran (Middlesbrough): Like Lukaku, McEachran got a rest mid-week when Middlesboro faced Chelsea in the FA Cup. he started and played exceptionally well on the weekend though, as Boro shrugged off their recent poor form and managed to knock off top of the table Cardiff City.
- Sam Hutchinson (Nottingham Forest): Hutchinson has now returned to training with forest, as they prepare for a final push toward the promotion playoff places. I'd still expect it to be another week or two before he's ready to play on matchday, but it's progress.
- Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford): Chalobah started and played 81 very solid minutes this week against Wolverhampton, but unfortunately Zola's men would allow a late, late goal that would result in two dropped points.
- George Saville (Millwall): Saville joined Milwall last week, and made his debut with a short cameo over the weekend. It was only a few minutes, but hopefully it's just the start.
- Ulises Davila (CE Sabadell): Davila was a substitute for Sabadell this weekend, and saw a short cameo at the very end of the game.
- Patrick Bamford (MK Dons): Still dealing with hamstring issues, did not make the squad
- Sam Walker, Billy Clifford (Colchester United): Walker and Clifford started both of Colchester's games this week, as the club is playing far better since their arrival. It was a pair of clean sheets for Walker, and Clifford had a goal against Yeovil and an assist against Stevenage. Colchester fans seemed thrilled with the pair, and hopefully they continue to push towards safety.
- Jhon Pirez (Leganes): Pirez started this weekend's match on the bench, but got his first goal of the season after coming on as a late substitute. Not only does he exists, but he's now got a goal in Spain.
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/03/05/chelsea-fc-loan-roundup-march-5-2013/
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