5 reasons why Chelsea's loan policy is actually brilliant

Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Christensen is a player who has benefitted hugely from Chelsea's loan system

Chelsea Football Club are one of the most successful clubs on the planet. In the last 10 years, they have achieved tremendous success both on the pitch and commercially, winning the league title the most times in that span and also being crowned winners of the Champions League for the first time in their history during that span.

While they are one of the most supported clubs in the world, they have come under criticism for their loan policy under which a fleet of youngsters have been shipped out on loan at various clubs across the world.

The detractors claim that many players lose out on fulfilling their potential due to bouncing from one club to another, changing systems and organisations without having the opportunity to represent the Blues.

However, we go on to show the positive impacts that the Chelsea loan system has had, so read on to find out more!

#5 Background Evaluation and Feedback

It is not known by many, but Chelsea maintains a dedicated team that looks after the medical and performance analysis of every player that is sent on loan.The team is headed by Eddie Newton and also involves two coaches, four analysts, medic and a conditioning man.

Even though there are 38 players on loan as it stands, the team conducts its operations seamlessly. Apart from the staff at the loanee club, the player also gets feedback, analysis and information about areas of improvement from the Chelsea team.

This helps the players get more perspectives on the game, work on their skills so that they reach a level that helps them get ready for game-time at Chelsea FC.

This also benefits the player as it holistically improves his game and helps the player become better at his craft regardless of where he plays.

#4 Provides game time to youngsters

Brighton and Hove Albion v Chelsea - Premier League
After loan spells with West Ham and Stoke, Victor Moses is now a regular in the Chelsea playing 11

Many youngsters showing promise get valuable game time and experience playing at loan clubs. This opportunity wouldn't be available to them if they stayed at Chelsea because there's only room for 11 players on the pitch.

Instead of the players in question warming benches for seasons at a time without real-time experience in matches, the loan system connects them to clubs where they can play regularly. This has the dual benefit of providing the youngsters with game time and experience.

Thus, by the time they return to Chelsea, they are ready in all respects to represent the Chelsea crest.

Notable players who've gone through this system and have come out shining for the Blues include Andreas Christensen and Victor Moses.

#3 Elongates Players' careers

Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers: FA Youth Cup Semi-Final Second Leg
Through the loan system, Tammy Abraham, could begin his pro career at the tender age of 17

An oft-missed point in the footballing world is, a footballers career is only so long. After the age of 35, it is very tough for players to keep producing the performances that the did when their bodies were only 20.

And more often than not, in such cases, the veterans have to make way for the newer, younger generation and so the cycle continues. Very few have longevity of a Totti, Giggs or Maldini

The loan system at Chelsea gives an opportunity for young players to begin playing professionally at a considerably young age whereas otherwise, they wouldn't have the opportunity to do so. Now, instead of playing regularly from 23-25 to 33-35, they can play from 18-19 and upwards!

Tammy Abraham, one of the biggest prospects from the Chelsea academy is a shining example. He represented England at all youth levels and he set the lower leagues on fire at Bristol City. His progress is being closely monitored as he plays for Swansea currently. Tammy has been playing professionally since he was just 17!

While many players who would struggle to play professionally at the tender age of 17 and would be forced to play at an amateur/youth or worse, recreational level, the loan system at Chelsea gave Tammy, and many other players an opportunity to play at the senior level at a very young age.

This also gives them an edge in terms of the techniques they develop when compared to peers of a similar age level. Not a bad trade eh?

#2 Influx of quality in the first team

Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Thibaut Courtois was one of the most successful products of the Chelsea Loan System

While it is a known fact that not every loan player can go on to represent Chelsea at the senior level, the loan system ensures that those who do are the best of the best.

They have gone through the ordeal of the loan system, established themselves despite the constant movements of clubs, countries and playing styles and have developed their games to extraordinary levels. showing significant mental maturity and determination in the process.

When such a player dons the Chelsea shirt, he is an absolutely LETHAL addition to the setup. Thibaut Courtois is a product of the loan system and has, in the years since, gone on to establish himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world.

He is an able replacement indeed to the void left by Cech and has kept the second most number of clean sheets in the Premier League this season. Talk about consistency!

Chelsea also have a ready source of talent from their loan fleet apart from their already established youth academy which helps create a balance between influx and outflow of players while maintaining a standard in the playing 11 which can gun on all fronts for silverware.

For instance, when Peter Cech left, his mantle was ably and seamlessly taken up by Thibaut Courtois, a product of the Chelsea loan system.

#1 Business Economics

Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League
Chelsea's loan system makes a lot of sense in terms of business and economics

Despite spending heavily in the transfer markets in recent seasons, Chelsea are one of the few cash-rich clubs who have not only complied completely with the FIFA Financial Fair Play rules, they have even churned out profits on many deals!

Unlike clubs like Manchester City/PSG, Chelsea do not have to contend with UEFA sanctions and criticism due to the violation of Fair Play Rules. And a huge part of the credit for this shrewd strategy goes to the loan system.

Chelsea signed Thorgan Hazard (The younger brother of Chelsea star Eden Hazard) for a mere 500,000 euros and made a staggering profit of 1500% on him in 2.5 years flat.

He was loaned out to Borussia Moenchengladbach where he impressed. Thus, despite not even playing once for the blues, he was sold for 8million to Moenchengladbach. It is a win-win scenario for everyone.

Chelsea reaped heavy return on their initial investment, Thorgan got needed game time, developed his skills, became better and is now at a club where he can play day in-day out and Moenchengladbach got a great player for themselves as well!

In fact, in the past decade, Chelsea have made the second most money from selling their players! It should be noted that Tottenham, who hold the first spot, made 80 Million from a single deal involving a certain Gareth Bale.

Also, the money made has not been at the cost of sacrificing significant talent. For instance, Arsenal have also made a lot of profits in the market but it has been at the cost of an exodus of quality in the form of transfers of Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie in their primes.

Apart from the other benefits provided by the loan system, Chelsea save a lot on player fees by sending players on loan. If the player proves his worth, Chelsea have the right to recall him, as they did in the case of Andreas Christensen.

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Edited by Ashwin Hanagudu