Lesley Ugochukwu certainly had a busy cameo performance in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Inter Milan on Sunday, which has led to him being a big talking point on social media with the Blues supporters.
Chelsea finished their pre-season friendlies this summer by recording a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge versus Italian champions Inter.
Marcus Thuram’s first-half goal put the Serie A club in front. However, Lesley Ugochukwu powered in a superb finish in the 90th minute after the ball spilled to him from a set-piece.
It was the last chance for the Blues stars to show Enzo Maresca why they should be starting the club’s Premier League opener next Sunday at home to defending champions Manchester City.
Chelsea striker Marc Guiu was super impressive against Inter, while it was great to see the likes of Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella get 45 minutes each after rejoining the group.
As for Ugochukwu, his strike against Inter was his second goal of this pre-season. He also scored a late equaliser against Wrexham last month.
Chelsea fans suggest Premier League loan for Lesley Ugochukwu
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media reacted to Ugochukwu’s latest display by saying they’d love to see him sign for a Premier League club on loan.
The 20-year-old midfielder has a lot of competition for places in the current squad, albeit he’s shown his quality in limited minutes this summer.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano did claim via X last month that Ugochukwu is expected to leave Chelsea on loan this summer amid interest from Premier League and Bundesliga teams. In fairness, there’s still enough time before the window closes on 30 August to sort his future.
Here are many Blues fans on X suggesting that Ugochukwu should join a top-flight rival on loan next season:
One fan said: “That game makes me desperate to have us loan out Ugochukwu in the Premier League.”
Another wrote: “Ugochukwu looks a lot leaner and faster than he did last season. A good loan at a club like Everton would probably be best for him but he’s been so impressive this pre-season I won’t be surprised if he’s kept.”
A third user posted: “Ugochukwu…if he’s not going to be starter needs a very good premier league loan…he will be a baller.”
One supporter claimed: “Ugochukwu is a baller. If we can get him a Premier League loan it would be perfect.”
Another shared: “Ugochukwu needs to go on loan to a Premier League side.”
Lesley Ugochukwu stats against Inter Milan
FotMob data has provided the individual statistics from Ugochukwu’s very lively display off the bench in Chelsea’s draw with Inter:
- Match rating – 7.8
- Minutes played – 10
- Goals – 1
- Shots on target – 2/2
- Chances created – 1
- Accurate passes – 4/4
- Successful dribbles – 3/3
- Ground duels won – 3/4
- Aerial duels won – 1/1
Uguochukwu couldn’t have done much more to impress in his brief outing, but it would still be a surprise if he’s near the starting XI this season.
If a Premier League club does snap the central midfielder up on loan, it could be a really shrewd bit of business.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
