Ugochukwu believes he'll make the grade at Chelsea despite competition from Caicedo, Enzo, Lavia

French-Nigerian midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu believes he will excel at Chelsea despite the competition for places in the club's midfield from Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo and  Roméo Lavia..

Ugochukwu joined the Blues in the last transfer window from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes for a fee suggested to be 27 million euros and signed a seven-year deal.

He made his debut for the London-based side in their 1-1 draw with Liverpool on the opening weekend of the Premier League.

The talented midfielder's only start for Chelsea came in their 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup which shows his struggles to get game time so far.

The 19-year-old has expressed his confidence in making the grade at Stamford Bridge despite the stern competition he faces.

"It's the same everywhere, in any team, you are not sure to play. When I arrived at Chelsea, I knew where I was going," he told Le Parisien, via Evening Standard,

"It's up to you to prove yourself, to show that you deserve your place. Personally, I have never been afraid of competition.

"I will learn from very good players like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia, who is the same age as me. It's up to me to go and get the most minutes.

"The learning that I have at Chelsea, daily and at weekends, will allow me to strengthen myself and mature in my game. When you are young, you have to play of course but there are trains that don't pass twice."

Ugochukwu has made three appearances so far for the 2021 UEFA Champions League champions, two in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup.

He could get the chance to get more games with the injury to Lavia who is set to be out for six weeks.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com