London is Blue Dispatch #066

There were times when international breaks were welcome respite from the soul-sapping rollercoaster of supporting Chelsea Football Club, but what a seven-game unbeaten run does to the spirits eh? Anyway, during this temporary lull, we’re putting together a few updates from how the Blues fared on their international endeavors.

Moises Caicedo

After a strong start to the season, Caicedo put in a MoTM display against the Paraguayans in a one-sided affair that ended in a disappointing 0-0 for the Ecuadorians. An incredible 13 out of 14 long balls over completed over the full 90 underlined Ecuador’s reliance on their midfield enforcer, as he marshalled a highly-promising back 3 that could create issues for attacks in the next World Cup. Kendry Paez also featured on his less preferred role on the left side of a 3-4-3, but was largely anonymous barring a clever flick inside the box in an attempt to win a penalty. He was subbed at HT. Still 17, these are all part and parcel of his development as one of South America’s brightest talents.

Enzo Fernandez

Having come under fire for quite a sustained spell for not really delivering standout performances over his time at the Bridge, Enzo started, intriguingly, as a lone pivot in Argentina’s diamond midfield against Venezuela and played 85 minutes. On a rain-soaked pitch where passing the ball was as cumbersome as receiving it, Enzo was forced to do the dirtier part of the game, which highlighted his tenacity but also his flaws. His 7 ground duels won (out of 13) put him 2^nd highest on the evening, but he was also caught out a couple of times against quicker players, stressing the conundrum Graham Potter, Pochettino & Enzo Maresca have faced deciding on his optimal tactical role.

Christopher Nkunku

You have to see it to believe it. Post Antoine Griezmann’s retirement, France were eyeing another attacking talisman and Nkunku delivered an astounding show of skill to announce his arrival after a lengthy absence. With back to goal, he rolled a defender, exploded into the box, feinted to send a defender sliding before coolly slotting it under the charging goalkeeper with his weaker foot. That goal made it seven in his last nine appearances for club and country, the knocks on Maresca’s door for a start in the Premier League are getting increasingly frantic and one could arrive very soon. He played 77 minutes, featuring, interestingly, on the left wing. Wesley Fofana was an used sub on the bench, and could be in line for a start in the next game.

Levi Colwill

Good friend of the pod Ollie Glanvill highlighted a moment in the game where Levi was visibly unhappy with his CB partner John Stones as well as Rico Lewis at LB. His display was arguably one of England’s best on the night, and was cemented by an excellent goal-line clearance that saved Jordan Pickford the blushes after trying to bizarrely retain the ball with his feet under pressure 25 yards from goal. He was perhaps a tad unfortunate with a blocked pass that rebounded straight to a Greek player on their winner, but it is a very encouraging start for the young Englishman this season, looking increasingly like the rock Chelsea were desperate for in their backline.

Cole Palmer

Starting in what quite resembled a nebulous tactical idea of attackers interchanging fluently, Palmer fared as well as England’s other attackers, looking bereft of clear instructions. There were a couple of nice sighters at goal – the first that looked ready to be launched at goal but a wonky bounce saw his shot balloon straight up. The second was, by his form and standards, meat & drink, as Bellingham chopped back to put a cutback on a plate which he placed well over. The second half proved a lot quieter with no shots, as he played the full 90 minutes in a defeat to an emotional Greece side, mourning the loss of George Baldock, the Panathinaikos and former Sheffield United CB who tragically passed away yesterday.

Noni Madueke

Brought on for Bukayo Saka, who limped off with a hamstring issue, Madueke featured on both flanks and had an effort from each, but never really troubled the goalkeeper too much. It was however, a nice show of faith from his U21 manager Lee Carsley, and would have undoubtedly served his confidence well after 4 goals in the league already.

Josh Acheampong featured for the England U21 Elite team while Marc Guiu scored a lovely header in the 3^rd minute in a defeat for the Spanish U19s vs Germany U19s. Max Merrick was on the bench for England U21s.

In action

Tonight

Nicolas Jackson [Senegal vs Malawi]

Mykhailo Mudryk [Ukraine vs Georgia]

Malo Gusto [France U21 vs Cyprus U21]

Tomorrow

Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Renato Veiga [Portugal vs Poland]

Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez [Spain vs Denmark]