Chelsea Comment: Gael Kakuta Eager To Make Up For Lost Time With European Debut

To borrow a phrase from a crisp manufacturer (never an obvious opening line), once you pop you just can’t stop. That is certainly the case for Gael Kakuta.

Fresh from his sparkling debut for Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday against Wolves, the young midfielder is now on course to make his Champions League bow when Carlo Ancelotti takes his side to Portugal to face FC Porto on Wednesday evening.

The Frenchman has been included in the Italian’s 20-man squad for the match at the Estadio do Dragao, and is practically certain of at least a place on the bench.

Considering the importance of the game and the club's forthcoming fixture schedule, it is likely the former RC Lens prodigy will see at least some playing time.

It has been a busy period for the 18-year-old. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) only lifted the Blues’ transfer ban just over two weeks ago, allowing Kakuta to recommence professional action.

Since then he has made his return to competitive action with France Under-19s, impressed everyone with his fitness and earned his way onto Chelsea’s bench.

After Saturday’s cameo he even started the reserves’ Monday evening clash with Birmingham City, before heading to Oporto to prepare for Wednesday night.

Fortunately, the Frenchman is just enjoying the ride.

“I have been waiting so long for it and I am really happy, I enjoyed playing the game,” Kakuta said after the Wolves fixture.

“I wanted to score so much but I lost focus when I shot. It was good, I enjoyed playing the game and all the players were behind me, helping me and talking to me, so that was good for me.”

Having missed a lot of football due to a serious ankle injury before the FIFA ruling, the diminutive winger has looked to draw some positives from what has been a frustrating situation.

“My fitness is good, because of the ban I have been out for months, but I have worked double sessions every day and I feel good,” he continued.

“It has been a little bit like pre-season, because when the boys finished I was still in, working in the afternoons.

“[In the Premier League] the game is much quicker, you have more choice when you play, you can play one touch, two touch, so it is much better.”

After his manager Ancelotti revealed "at that age I have never seen a player with this talent" ahead of the weekend's game, Kakuta’s team-mates have been equally quick to praise him.

“He shows every day in training that he is a fantastic player," defensive midfielder John Obi Mikel said.

“He still has to learn a lot but you could see from this game what a fantastic player he is. In terms of skill, I think he is the best in the club.

Not-so-secret admirer | Ancelotti values Kakuta

Embrace the pressure | Mikel believes in Kakuta's talent