It’s been fun to watch the career trajectory of Ryan Bertrand at Chelsea. It’s been up and down for the youngster, but there’s no doubting his talent.
Before Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Stamford Bridge he was an integral part of the Blues’ set-up. As Ashley Cole’s understudy he was getting enough game time to further his own development, without being put under too much scrutiny or pressure. He thrived in the spotlight and quickly won over the watching fans.
But since the Spaniard’s arrival there’s been all kinds of turmoil. When Juan Mata’s not getting regular fame time, it’s perhaps not all that surprising that Bertrand isn’t getting as much of a look in this season.
Last season he made 38 appearances. This season he’s only made 3 appearances. I’m sure that the 24-year-old will be disappointed that he’s taken a step back of this nature at this stage in his career.
He’ll be all the more disappointed that he’s lost his place to Cesar Azpilicueta, a right back. Mourinho certainly likes to mix things up, doesn’t he?
As you’d expect his diminished status has led to speculation regarding his future at Stamford Bridge. According to The Mirror, Bertrand has some rather surprising suitors: Liverpool and Everton.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Liverpool’s interest was genuine. Jose Enrique is in the middle of a long-term injury (and may take time to get back to full fitness once his convalescence is over), Jon Flanagan is inexperienced and Aly Cissoko has failed to impress during the short time he has been at the club.
This could certainly be an area of the pitch that Brendan Rodgers assesses during the January transfer window.
Of course, there are easier transfer targets out there. By this stage Jose Mourinho will consider Liverpool to be title rivals. As such, he won’t be keen to send Brendan Rodgers a player to help the Reds on their way up the table.
But money talks. Mourinho will be well aware that he doesn’t really have a role to play at Chelsea. This is one player he can afford to cash in on. It all depends on how much Liverpool want him and how much they’re willing to pay.
It’ll certainly be interesting to watching this one develop.
What’s your take? Can Liverpool compete for Ryan Bertrand or should they be chasing easier targets?
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He would be a good acquisition to the squad in an area that could do with strengthening (Enrique has struggled with injuries and Cissokho has just struggled!!), Mourhino by the way is Portuguese not Spanish