Chelsea news: Tiemoue Bakayoko may not be at his best until next season, says Redknapp
That is the view of Sky Sports pundit and ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
Bakayoko joined Chelsea from Ligue 1 Champions Monaco in July for £40million.
The Frenchman came to Stamford Bridge with a knee injury and missed pre-season after having surgery.
He has become a key part of Antonio Conte’s midfield in recent weeks, with N’Golo Kante absent with his own injury.
We probably won’t see the best of him until maybe even after Christmas or even next season
Jamie Redknapp on Chelsea star Tiemoue Bakayoko
Chelsea fans have taken to Bakayoko but Redknapp says they haven’t seen the best of him yet.
“The difficulty that he’s got is that he missed pre-season, it’s the same with Eden Hazard,” Redknapp said of the Chelsea star.
“When you’ve missed pre-season, you’ve had a knee surgery, you are struggling to adapt.
“You’re in a different league and it’s going to take him a bit of time.
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“We probably won’t see the best of him until maybe even after Christmas or even next season when you’re going to see him at his top level.
“He’s only 23 years of age, the attention every week and every question always involves Matic but he’s totally different.
“With the rotation in midfield Kante is out, he’s going to play with Fabregas today in a two which isn’t always easy.
“I’m a big fan of Cesc Fabregas but I don’t think he has the legs to get around, I think Cesc is better playing a bit further forward.”
Bakayoko helped Chelsea beat Watford 4-2 in a dramatic game at Stamford Bridge today.
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