Jamie Redknapp has congratulated Jadon Sancho after his shock debut for Chelsea against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Sancho’s last-minute loan move to Stamford Bridge from Manchester United was arguably one of the most unexpected moves of the summer transfer window considering the amount of wingers Chelsea already have.
However, the England international already seems to be settling into this new home.
Sancho came off the bench at half-time at the Vitality Stadium and created two chances and completed two dribbles, eventually providing the assist for Christopher Nkunku’s winner in the 86th minute.
The 24-year-old lit up what was otherwise a tense encounter that produced a Premier League record 14 yellow cards.
“Transformer” Sancho has an immediate impact at Chelsea
Chelsea fans have already started signing Sancho’s name after his impact against Bournemouth.
And Redknapp believes the winger can prove many wrong and turn his loan move to Chelsea into a “transformative” career move.
“Confidence is key in football. When you feel confident, you’re a much better player,” said Redknapp Sky Sports.
“When this transfer happened, I thought it was one of the strangest transfers I’ve seen in years. Chelsea are predominantly overloaded with wide players – Madueke, Nkunku, Neto – players who can play in the wide area. So you’re thinking: How is he going to get a game in this Chelsea team?
“Chelsea think financially it was a good signing for the club. He’s come in and he’s obviously trained well as he brought Pedro Neto off at half-time, unless there’s an injury, and he came in and looked sharp .There was good chemistry with Cucurella, who sometimes comes out naturally in training. And he seems to be enjoying his football.
“Let’s be completely honest: at Manchester United he was very poor. He went to Borussia Dortmund and looked good in the Champions League. He has done good things, he has regained his confidence, his shoulders are back and he is enjoying his football again.
“This could be a transformative move for him, this could get his career back on track. He’s too talented a player.
“Time waits for no one in football, before you know it, your career is over. You get to 25, 26 and you think, “What am I doing now? I haven’t set the standards I should be.”
“Are you training well? Are you living well? Those are questions that have been asked against Jadon. What you can’t question is his skill and ability. So I really hope it works out for him.”
