Ryan Bertrand: Chelsea and England’s future Left back?

Just over a week ago, 22 year old Ryan Bertrand made his first ever European appearance in the most elaborate way possible, in the champions league final. Bertrand lasted 74 minutes in the match, as he gave an assured performance, and he certainly wasn’t overawed by the occasion, as many feared. So where does the youngster go from here?

Loan deals

Bertrand left his first club Gillingham to go to Chelsea at age 16, for a small fee of £125,000. After an impressive first season in Chelsea’s youth team, Chelsea decided to loan Bertrand out to Bournemouth, Oldham and Norwich, in that order where his organization and position skills impressed the technical staff at each club.

After these successful loan spells, in summer 2009, Chelsea decided it was time to put Bertrand up a level to promotion chasing Reading. Chelsea’s choice proved to be an inspiring one with Bertrand being a regular starter, and in the meantime scored his first ever professional goal. His brilliant season was highlighted as he finished third in the voting for Reading’s player of the season. He spent the first half of the 2010/11 season at another highly respected club, Nottingham Forest, where he again impressed.

His time at Chelsea

When the left back returned to Chelsea in January 2011, he knew it was time to step up. His first appearance in the blues’ first team was in a 3-1 home win over Birmingham City in April. Despite only playing for the last thirty minutes, Bertrand got an assist and must have impressed the Chelsea hierarchy as in July 2011; Chelsea signed him to a four year contract, proving the blues have faith in his talent and feel that keeping him is imperative to their potential future success. His 2011/12 season saw him make 14 appearances and due to the sale of Yuri Zhirkov, he became Chelsea’s back-up to the magnificent Ashley Cole.

Now do I foresee Ryan Bertrand overstepping Ashley Cole anytime soon? No, Cole is simply too good. But with Cole turning 32 later this year, Chelsea will have to look for a younger replacement, and Bertrand is the perfect candidate. The Englishman’s reading of the game and his versatility (he can play left wing too) means Chelsea need not rush into the transfer market, as they have one already on the books, and he cost just over £125,000.