Kazakhstan suffered a defeat at home to Wales on Thursday in a World Cup qualifier. Chelsea fans may have had a close eye on the international fixture to see how Blues youngster Dastan Satpaev got on.
Dastan Satpaev, who’s just 17, has been signed by Chelsea, with the teenager set to move to Stamford Bridge next year when he turns 18.
At the moment, the young forward is a first-team regular for Kazakhstan club Kairat Almaty, who have qualified for the Champions League group phase. He’s also a senior international for Kazakhstan, earning his fourth cap against the Welsh.
Wales produced a professional display in midweek to secure a 1-0 victory away to Kazakhstan courtesy of Kieffer Moore’s first-half goal.
Chelsea have been working closely with Satpaev while the rising star continues his development with Kairat. Unfortunately, he had a tough game in the international defeat to Wales.
Dastan Satpaev goes missing against Wales
It was a disappointing game for Kazakhstan attacker Satpaev against Wales, where he struggled to make a significant threat going forward.
| Minutes played | Goals | Assists | Total shots | Chances created | Accurate passes | Touches in opposition box | Was fouled | Match rating |
| 87 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9/11 (82%) | 1 | 2 | 5.9 |
As you can see above, Chelsea signing Satpaev barely got much of a look-in during Kazakhstan’s home loss.
Aged 17, you’re allowed a bad day at the office. It doesn’t help that his side had just 32% possession against Wales as well. It may be something that he needs to get used to as his club side Kairat prepare for the Champions League.
Who Kairat Almaty face in the Champions League
After qualifying for the Champions League group phase for the first time, Kairat have been rewarded with some glamorous European ties.
- Sporting Lisbon vs Kairat Almaty (18 September)
- Kairat Almaty vs Real Madrid (30 September)
- Kairat Almaty vs Pafos (21 October)
- Inter Milan vs Kairat Almaty (5 November)
- Copenhagen vs Kairat Almaty (26 November)
- Kairat Almaty vs Olympiacos (9 December)
- Kairat Almaty vs Club Brugge (20 January)
- Arsenal vs Kairat Almaty (28 January)
From Chelsea’s perspective, it’s outstanding news that Satpaev will get the opportunity to play in Europe’s elite club competition, where he will test himself against some of the best teams around.
Chelsea have been told they’ve hit the jackpot with Satpaev because he’s deemed as a real star in the making. It’s important not to put too much pressure on him too soon, though.
The Kazakhstan prospect clearly fits the philosophy when it comes to the transfer vision at Stamford Bridge, but it’s worth remembering these youngsters will have good and bad days as they grow.
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