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Why Chelsea must take this decision to make sure 22-year-old’s future turns out to be bright

Why Chelsea must loan out Jake Clarke-Salter again in January

The Independent suggests that Chelsea are set to recall Jake Clarke-Salter, who is currently on loan at Birmingham City in the Championship.

The England U21 captain was sent on loan to Birmingham with an expectation of regular game time. But his time at St. Andrew’s has not been fruitful as he is yet to cement his place as a first-team member.

Birmingham manager Pep Clotet has preferred centre-back duo Marc Roberts and captain Harlee Roberts as his first-choice in the heart of the defence. This has resulted in Clarke-Salter starting in just 2 games in his first 2 months at the club.

Jake Clarke-Salter (Getty Images)
Jake Clarke-Salter (Getty Images)

It was only after Dean’s three-match suspension that the Chelsea man got his chance. Since then, he has made a mere 5 appearances. Clarke-Salter has been impressive in the few games and also scored the equalizer against Millwall at the end of last month.

A highly-rated youth prospect at Chelsea, Clarke-Salter has had mixed spells on loan. He suffered an arm fracture while at Bristol City and was sidelined for four months. His impressive display last year in the Eredivisie with Vitesse provided him with a way back to being at his best.

With Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori returning from loan spells at the start of the season, Clarke-Salter was sent on loan in order to continue his game time.

Fikayo Tomori (Getty Images)
Fikayo Tomori (Getty Images)

Clarke-Salter had made his Chelsea debut in 2016 but has played only 2 matches for the first-team. The 22-year-old is one of the bright prospects in England and Chelsea must consider sending him out on loan again in January.

A talent like him can grow only by gaining experience, which can be achieved only by playing regularly. Clarke-Salter still has a long way to go and he could be Chelsea’s main man in the future.

The report also suggests that many Championship clubs are interested in him after his eye-catching displays of late. But it would be good if the youngster is given a chance at any of the Premier League teams.

Jake Clarke-Salter (L) (Getty Images)
Jake Clarke-Salter (L) (Getty Images)

Getting to play in the top-flight would allow him to adjust to the conditions of the League before he permanently settles down at Stamford Bridge. It would be a huge stride in his development if the Chelsea manager intends to make him a permanent member of his squad.

According to Whoscored, Clarke-Salter has registered 0.4 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 4.4 clearances per game in the Championship so far. His numbers are quite interesting for a player of his age and who has played very few matches.

 Jake Clarke-Salter (Getty Images)
Jake Clarke-Salter (Getty Images)

This shows he can get better with enough game time and displaying his abilities in the toughest league would guarantee a huge future for him.

Verdict

Therefore, it would be the right call by Chelsea to exercise their option and send him out on loan again instead of keeping him at the club without regular action.