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Tiemoue Bakayoko (Chelsea)
There was excitement when Bakayoko arrived in the summer from the surprise French champions Monaco. His performances in their run to the Champions League semi-finals had caught the eye: full of power, he was a highly effective midfield defender and ball-carrier. The idea of pairing him with the tireless N'Golo Kante seemed like a perfect combination, the two Frenchmen providing the solid defensive platform for Eden Hazard and Willian to play freely in front of them.
It hasn't, surprisingly, worked out as planned. Bakayoko has looked and played like a man belying his huge stature. Offering no adequate cover and no attacking verve, his performances have led many fans to question allowing Nemanja Matic to join their rivals Manchester United in the summer (a move that has worked out tremendously for the Red Devils).
N'Golo Kante has been missing for much of the first half of the season, certainly, but that doesn't excuse the level Bakayoko has been playing at. Perhaps he needs more time to settle into his new surroundings but, as it stands, it doesn't seem like the player will be following the great Claude Makelele and Michael Essien as a successful Chelsea defensive midfield dynamo.
