Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli strengthened his case for further Chelsea opportunities with an impressively mature performance against Juventus, completing 96% of his passes during Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat.
There was little to celebrate about the result in Hong Kong, but the 16-year-old provided another reason for Xabi Alonso to be encouraged.
Nicoll-Jazuli was trusted alongside Moises Caicedo from the start and never looked overwhelmed by the occasion. ReadChelsea’s match report highlighted the teenager as one of the positives from an otherwise subdued Chelsea performance.
His numbers underline just how composed he was.
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli numbers underline Chelsea potential
Nicoll-Jazuli completed 44 passes at 96% accuracy during his 66 minutes on the pitch.
He was also successful with every attempted long ball, won two of his three tackles and made two clearances and two recoveries. The midfielder competed in six ground duels, winning three.
Those are not spectacular attacking numbers. That almost makes the performance more encouraging.
Nicoll-Jazuli played with the restraint and awareness required in central midfield, rarely forcing possession and helping Chelsea maintain control alongside Caicedo.
Alonso has already made his opinion of the teenager clear.
Speaking earlier on the tour, the Chelsea head coach described Nicoll-Jazuli as a player with “special qualities”, praising his dynamism, short passing and ability to dribble through midfield. (Sports Mole)
Wednesday offered another glimpse of exactly what Alonso was talking about.
Chelsea still have considerable senior depth in midfield and there is no need to rush a player who only turned 16 in January.
But Nicoll-Jazuli is making himself increasingly difficult to ignore.
Pre-season can exaggerate conclusions in either direction. Holding your own against Juventus at 16, however, is a useful place to start.
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli vs Juventus
- 66 minutes
- 96% pass accuracy
- 44 passes completed
- 100% long-ball accuracy
- 2/3 tackles won
- 2 clearances
- 2 ball recoveries
- 3/6 ground duels won
