Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has tipped forgotten star Kenedy to resurrect his career at Stamford Bridge in the coming months - and has even identified the "perfect role" for the Brazilian.
The 25-year-old, who last played competitively for Chelsea in January 2018 during an FA Cup clash against Norwich, has spent the majority of his time on loan since joining the Blues from Fluminense in 2015 for £6.3 million.
He has played for Watford, Newcastle, Getafe, Granada and most recently Flamengo, where he was recalled from his loan spell by Chelsea in January.
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And it appears Chelsea boss Tuchel is ready to give the talented Brazilian an opportunity to prove himself again in a new role.
When asked if Kenedy has a fresh start ahead of him, the German said: “Absolutely a clean slate. Yes, I cannot agree more. And I think he knows it.
“I have known him since many years, I followed him when he started at Chelsea and when he played at Newcastle.
“He was very impressive in the beginning of his career, but he lost track a little bit, maybe could not fulfil his own dreams or fulfil the demands that everybody had for him in his potential.
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“But this is life sometimes, and he gets a second and third chance now to be here.
“And this is what it’s about, it’s not about the past, it’s about what happens now."
Tuchel added: “He was good in pre-season, he wanted to go back to Brazil to take a chance there, and now we’ve had the situation with Ben and having Kenny and Emerson on loan, Kenny was possible and I’m happy that he’s here.
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“Now it’s his duty to get fit, we have to bring him to match fitness and then he needs some minutes, however that will work out, and he’s got to deserve it.
“But he’s now part of the group, he’s a very nice guy and very talented, and let’s see where he is and he can maybe make it.
“I think it’s a huge opportunity for him and I’m more than happy to give it to him, and to help him make the best of it.”
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It also looks like Kenedy will take up a new position from his usual role on the wing. “I think if we play with the wing-backs it’s a perfect role for him, given his profile as a player,” said Tuchel.
“He has a very strong left foot, very strong in possessional play. He can shoot and cross very, very precise. And that’s more or less it.
“He’s very, very talented, there was never a doubt about this.
“And now it’s about having the mentality and the right mindset to take this opportunity whenever he’s needed. The wing-back role suits him very well.”
Thoughts on Kenedy potentially breaking into the Chelsea side?
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Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Premier League
Jack Kenmare