Chelsea youngster Traore baffled by club's loan policy
Chelsea's frequent and abundant use of the loan system has come under criticism in the past, and with 38 players on temporary stays across Europe this season, the Blues are again England's standard in that department.
Among the critics of that strategy is 21-year-old striker Bertrand Traore. After a decent spell toward the tail end of the last campaign and a busy preseason, he anticipated a spot on Antonio Conte's first team.
Instead, the Burkina Faso-born forward was sent on a season-long loan to Ajax, and the lad is a little bit perplexed by the decision.
"I felt, and feel, that I am ready for Chelsea. I did not see the loan overall (picture). Why did I play so much in preseason?" Traore told the Evening Standard's Simon Johnson.
"Why was I allowed to participate so often under Guus Hiddink (last season)? Why do young players get no real chance at Chelsea?"
Traore has a point, especially after 10 appearances and two goals under interim boss Hiddink were paired with five summer run-outs under Conte. It's not like Chelsea has an excess of forwards, with only Diego Costa and summer signing Michy Batshuayi filling the role of a traditional striker in the squad.
"It’s good for the composition of the squad if it is also home to a couple of talented youngsters," Traore adds.
Conte is the first Chelsea gaffer in some time to offer the youngsters a chance, with the once perpetually loaned Victor Moses playing a massive role at wing-back, and Nathan Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Dominic Solanke, and Ola Aina all making the squad for matches this season.
With an eye on returning to Stamford Bridge next season, Traore said he's focused on helping the Amsterdam giant win its first Eredivisie title since 2014. "I want to win all there is to win with Ajax and to be important for the team."
If Traore does want a Premier League recall, he may fancy performing better in the Netherlands. With a pair of goals in 10 matches, Traore is having a hard time winning over the locals, Ajax boss Peter Bosz included.
"His attitude is nothing wrong, but the shape is not good," Bosz said, according to the Metro's Mark Brus.
"I know he can do much better that he has shown at Ajax in his early days. But since the last international period, he will never get the level of before. It is important that he gets back to form as soon as possible."