- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Why Chelsea’s Rising Star Ike Ugbo Deserves More Plaudits for His Achievements
- Updated: November 18, 2016
Posture can tell us everything about a sportsman. For Chelsea’s up-and-coming striker Ike Ugbo, it’s what gives the game away.
Before watching him in action, the naked eye can spot his talent. Ugbo may have only turned 18 in late September, but everything about him screams “elite athlete.”
He is bulky up top, with broad shoulders that outline his ability to impose himself on defenders. The definition on his arms and thighs hint at explosive pace to get beyond opponents. He looks agile and strong.
Ugbo’s frame is that of a footballer for modern times, and the way he struts onto the pitch is an indication that he knows it. The striker oozes confidence.
We need not fall into the trappings of judging a book by its cover, either; the frontman backs up those first impressions with performances on the pitch. We’ve seen that much in the youth team—Ugbo scored 26 goals in 33 appearances last season—and this term it’s carried over into the senior game as Chelsea’s development squad competes in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Ugbo scores a sensational effort against Exeter
We’re not talking about him enough, though. It’s to Ugbo’s detriment that he is emerging at a time when Chelsea have arguably two of the best up-and-coming strikers in the English game in Dominic Solanke and Tammy Abraham.
The headlines have been theirs this past year or so and have pushed Ugbo’s achievements under the radar. For any doubters of his ability, it’s those much-maligned EFL Trophy matches this term that outline his capabilities; Ugbo’s form since August demands we sit up and take notice.
Were we to judge it merely on results, Chelsea’s involvement in the revamped EFL Trophy has been a failure. The Blues didn’t win any of their three group games and finished bottom of …
