Chalobah rues 'barrier' to get in Chelsea 1st team
Chelsea is reportedly close to unveiling Tiemoue Bakayoko as the latest tireless operator in Antonio Conte's squad, although it may come at a cost to a longtime servant of the club.
England Under-21 star Nathaniel Chalobah is in danger of being crowded out at Stamford Bridge, with Bakayoko presumably joining N'Golo Kante, Nemanja Matic, and Cesc Fabregas in the midfield jumble ahead of the Blues product.
Chalobah, 22, appreciates learning from players of that ilk in London following a run of six separate loan spells in four years in places as varied as Middlesbrough and Naples, but says his work is cut out in securing regular senior recognition at Chelsea.
"I've learned every day," he told the Evening Standard's Vaishali Bhardwaj after England's semi-final-clinching 3-0 defeat of Poland in the European Under-21 Championship on Thursday.
"From Kante, his work rate and defensive quality - he just got better on the ball as the season went on - Matic, for his composure and passing, and Cesc's passing and ability to pick up passes.
"It's a very high standard at Chelsea, the club has an amazing academy and produces really top players. It's just there's that barrier of getting in there - and then staying in there."
Chalobah, who can also play in defence, featured 10 times in the Blues' run to claiming the Premier League title in 2016-17, with nine appearances coming as a substitute. His opportunities under Conte have been welcomed, but are understandably scant.
"You're playing for one of the best teams in Europe - they're now back in the Champions League - and the demand is high on winning," Chalobah continued.
"We won the league and I have competition from European Cup winners, World Cup winners and full internationals. The manager Antonio Conte's tactical awareness, his passion and desire to win all rub off on everyone."
A groin injury suffered in the Under-21s' statement win over host Poland could see Chalobah miss out on appearing in Aidy Boothroyd's deep-lying midfield contingent for the semi-final and potential final.
England hasn't won the Under-21 Euros since bagging back-to-back titles in 1982 and 1984.