Troy Deeney wrote in The Sun, expressing his optimism about Chelsea's performance this season.

In 2020, Wellbeck, João Félix and I were relegated from Watford. Nobody would have thought that these two would reunite at Chelsea this season. I scored more goals than both of them that year, but nobody from Stamford Bridge called me in the summer – I really couldn't believe it.

However, the combination of Wellbeck and João will be a good partnership for Chelsea as the Blues attempt to build something new under Enzo Maresca.

João is expected to have an excellent year. I won't reveal any secrets, but missing out on Brazil's squad for the World Cup was a huge blow for him.

He's not the type of player who simply wants to be in the squad; he wants to be number 9, he wants to be the heart of the team.

That fighting spirit, combined with a good start in the match against Fulham and the absence of European competition this season, I can see him having an excellent year.

I don't think he'll be contending for the Golden Boot. He's not a killer like Haaland or Isak – he's more well-rounded and complete, and he loves getting involved in play.

But from the time he came to me at 18 years old at Watford, he didn't want to hear anyone tell him there was a hierarchy in the team – he's always had that drive and focus.

And he hasn't changed. I can still call him anytime for a chat, and he's still the same guy. Richarlison, another Brazilian I played with at Watford, is the complete opposite – I barely recognize him now, he's a completely different person.

João still has that drive, and Wellbeck is his perfect partner.

When we played together at Watford, we called him "Uncle Danny," "Danny Boy," or "Welbs," but I've actually known him since his Manchester United days.

He's just such a contagious person with a wonderful personality – he's never miserable.

Believe me, Watford is a place where it's easy to fall into depression. I don't think there was a single day when he walked into the dressing room in a bad mood.

He's always smiling, just appreciates the opportunity to earn a living playing football.

He's competitive, wants to play, wants to stay healthy, wants to be available, and he'll do everything right.

Danny had an excellent start in Thursday's match against Luton, scoring with his head, and from the joyful celebrations of his new teammates when he scored, you could tell he's already made a significant impact in the dressing room.

If Maresca wants to rotate, or if Félix needs to drop slightly deeper, I think Danny will integrate quickly.

He can play as a traditional centre-forward in a two-striker system, or as a lone striker. He can score from crosses and also play in a more sophisticated system, as he did at Brighton.

His physical condition is also surprisingly good. If Danny takes his shirt off in front of you and you're a young lad, you'd definitely think: "Wow, who's this?"

For Chelsea, this overall ability is very important as the club tries to add maturity to a talented squad.

And he's not just helping Félix. I think he'll also influence Cole Palmer.

Both are from Manchester, which gives them a natural common ground. After Chelsea beat Fulham, Palmer was asked if he was ready for the new season, and he replied: "Didn't you watch the game?", which also made me think he's been spending time with Danny lately.

We can't get too excited just because we've played only one Premier League match. However, Chelsea have started well, and if Danny can keep everyone balanced and João can maintain this form, my two old teammates from Watford will have an excellent year with the Blues.

Переведено ИИ.

Сайт AF теперь доступен! Читайте полные новости, комментарии, детали матчей и статистику на компьютере. Посетите: www.allfootballapp.com