Ghana defender in to bolster leaky champions
Abdul Baba Rahman has become the third Ghanaian, after Michael Essien and Christian Atsu, to sign for Chelsea and may have a chance to make an immediate impact if, as is being speculated, he makes it onto the pitch against West Brom this weekend.
The 21-year-old, the latest signing by beleaguered Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, spoke to both of his compatriots before making the move to Stamford Bridge.
“I spoke with both of them and they were very positive about Chelsea,” Rahman told the club’s official website. “They told me it was a great club with very nice people, which was good to hear.
“I watched [Essien] whenever I could. In Ghana they only showed the Premier League at that time so I was always watching him, he was a great player for Chelsea.
“I’m really looking forward to trying to carry on the pattern of African players doing well for the club. It’s a big inspiration for me. I can’t wait to get started.”
Michael Essien was a stand-out player for Chelsea soon after joining the Londoners in 2005. At the end of the 2006/7 season, he was voted Player of the Year by the club’s fans, having helped the Blues to FA Cup to supplement the Premier League title won a year earlier. He was released in 2014 and now plays for Greek club, Panathinaikos.
Atsu, on the other hand, is yet to make the Chelsea first team, having spent his time at the club out on loan. He is currently on a season-long loan at Premier League newcomers AFC Bournemouth.
Baba Rahman may be thrown straight into the starting line-up against West Brom this weekend, with Cesar Azpilicueta switching to right-back and Branislav Ivanovic dropping to the bench following two below par performances in a poor start for the champions.
He is confident he has the tools to be a success in the Premier League whenever he does get his opportunity.
“I’m a left-back and, as a defender, it’s important for me to be strong in the tackle, which I always try to be.” He told chelseafc.com.
“I also like to get forward as much as possible and help the team in attack. In the Premier League there is a heavy emphasis on getting up and down the pitch, which I like to do.”
Chelsea have been without a true left back since they sold Filipe Luis back to Atlético Madrid pre-season. The Brazilian failed to adequately replace stalwart Ashley Cole, at least in Mourinho’s eyes, and spent most of last season playing second fiddle to Cesar Azpilicueta, a right back playing on the left.
FC Augsburg’s left back in 31 games last season, Rahman’s transfer fee is believed to be in the region of £21m.
