It was announced earlier this week that Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham would be joining Swansea City on loan for the 2017-18 Premier League season.
The striker, who joined Chelsea at U8 level, scored 23 goals last season for Bristol City as he was a vital part in their bid for survival. This prolific goal-scoring form led to Chelsea offering him a new five-year contract before sending him out on loan once more.
Swansea have relied heavily on Fernando Llorente and their talisman, Gylfi Sigurdsson to provide them with goals: in 2016/17 these two players scored 24 out of Swansea’s 45 PL goals (53%). There is reportedly increasing interest from Spurs and Everton over Sigurdsson so it is vital that Paul Clement replaces those goals and uses Abraham effectively in a season which could well be another fight to avoid relegation.
Abraham could be the perfect fit for Swansea – at 6ft 4 he is the ideal mix of height, athleticism and agility. The sight of Abraham bearing down on goal will be enough to make any defender quiver in their boots. Especially if he is to be accompanied by the equally lofty Fernando Llorente.
Abraham is one of those players who just loves playing football, when he was sent home for a break after his Bristol City manager Lee Johnson found out he had played 80 matches in a row it transpired that he actually spent his time off have a kick about with his brother in the garden. This youthful exuberance combined with his fierce competitiveness is a potent combination – one which could send his career to new heights if the loan is successful.
Chelsea coach Adi Viveash has admitted that he often ribs Abraham over the number of tap-in goals he scores. Whilst these goals might not be the most impressive, his eye for goal plus Sigurdsson’s superb ball distribution (if he were to stay) could see Abraham have a not too dissimilar return to the 23 goals he scored last season.
Obviously, the Premier League is a very different kettle of fish to the Championship or youth football but it must be remembered that Abraham has excelled at whatever age bracket or tournament he has appeared at. Be it being an integral part of England U21’s recent run to the Euro semi-finals, keeping Bristol City in the Championship or winning the UEFA Youth League with Chelsea. This suggests that the size of the stage or grandeur of the occasion does not faze him – he is just a teenager who loves playing football, and happens to be really good at it too.
Written by Dom Clarke.
