Chelsea's forgotten midfielder Oriol Romeu could be the answer to holding midfield problems

Oriol Romeu joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2011

If I was to ask you what positions do you think Chelsea need to strengthen this summer, you would state that the holding midfield position is one of them – Oriol Romeu could be the answer! There is plenty of talk of Paul Pogba and Koke coming to Chelsea but in my opinion, rather than spend the money, why don’t we utilise an option we already have and spend the money elsewhere?

Oriol Romeu has given an interview recently about the situation he finds himself in at Chelsea but has also made it clear that he would love to come back and make a name for himself at the club once again.

He said: “Last summer, I was training with the team in pre-season. Then the club explained that they were looking at a loan deal. They said they believe in me but it was best for my development this season to play regularly.

“They said they see me as part of their future. I look at Nemanja Matic, for example, the way he went away for a while and then came back and I’d love to replicate that. I still dream of making it properly at Chelsea.

“The coach Eddie Newton is in contact with all the loannees, he watches the games and we often receive detailed analysis, reports and videos based on our performances. It tells us what we need to improve or work on and what we have done well.

“It might say “we want you to be spreading the play more” or “you should be taking the ball in in a different way.” They are subtle things but it can make a difference at the highest level.

“I still do not know what will happen next season – of course I would love to return to Chelsea but I also want to be playing football.”

Just think where Romeu came from and where he learnt the aspects of the game – Barcelona. Cast you minds back to when he first started playing for Chelsea under AVB. All of us looked at his use of the ball compared to Mikel at the time was a revelation (Of course, Matic has taken that to another level) and it looked really promising for him. Then he got injured.

Much is made of FFP these days and the figures being quoted for the likes of Pogba and Koke are simply ridiculous. Why spend the money when we have Romeu? I could see a Matic and Romeu partnership develop and would like to see that happening. Romeu is good off the ball and good with the ball at his feet. He is two-footed and just think, with Cesc Fabregas playing in front of the both of them, we have fantastic options to move the ball quickly from the deep lying position.

What are your thoughts on Romeu and of the links to Pogba and Koke? Do you think Oriol Romeu should be given a chance next season considering he signed a new three-year deal last summer? Is he a part of our plans for the future or someone the club will decide to cash in on instead?

I hope he stays and plays a part next term!