The challenge of joining a club that already boasts a galaxy of stars in its squad is the battle for game time.
After six rounds of Premier League action in 2024/25, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – a summer capture from Leicester City – has made just three substitute appearances for a combined tally of 44 minutes.
But the midfielder’s starring role against Gent in the Europa Conference League confirms that he’s ready to step into the chaos of the Premier League when Enzo Maresca comes calling.
Long Way to the Top
One of the attributes that KDH is blessed with is the grit and determination that comes from playing football in your formative years at a lower level.
He was sent out on loan by the Foxes to Blackpool in 2019/20. The Tangerines are 9/2 in the League One odds for promotion this season thanks to Steve Bruce’s incredible start as manager, but back then they were consigned to mid-table mediocrity.
The football betting tips columns were similarly downcast about Luton Town’s chances in the Championship back in 2020/21, but Dewsbury-Hall showed up well in his first full season as a professional – he played 40 games for the Hatters and secured a mid-table finish.
But it was in the 26-year-old’s first seasons with the Foxes that he really caught the eye. He was part of their Premier League squad during 2021/22 and the following campaign, but ironically it was in the Championship – under Maresca’s tutelage – that Dewsbury-Hall took the next step in his career.
Already a highly-skilled technician, the midfielder added goals and assists to his game in Leicester’s Championship title-winning campaign; enough for Maresca to fork out £30 million to take KDH with him to Stamford Bridge.
Congratulations to summer signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who has been named in the @PFA Championship Team of the Year. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/yEqv2rltyP
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 20, 2024
At that price point, there’s a demand for Dewsbury-Hall to perform in the Conference League and in the domestic cups; he’s likely to find his path to the starting eleven in the Premier League blocked by the numerous other midfield players Maresca has at his disposal.
But one thing that is for sure is that the 26-year-old, as a stylish, left-footed number eight or ten, can offer something different for the Blues this term.
Catching the Eye
It was pretty evident from Maresca’s team selection for Chelsea’s Conference League game against Gent that the head coach will use the competition as a chance to give minutes to his fringe players.
Dewsbury-Hall, who found the net in the 4-2 win, was joined in the starting eleven by the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Christopher Nkunku, who was also on the scoresheet.
As he continues to battle back from the career-threatening knee injury that derailed his early months at the club, Nkunku could yet force his way into what is Maresca’s preferred starting eleven – particularly as his versatility means that he can play on either flank or through the middle.
The reason behind Christopher Nkunku’s eye-catching celebration 🎈 pic.twitter.com/BTBbXUW0UW
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 14, 2024
Hip and hamstring injuries at the start of 2024 have also disrupted the Frenchman’s progress, so his focus this term has to be on getting fit and remaining injury free.
But at the age of 26, Nkunku still has plenty of time on his side. If he, like Dewsbury-Hall, catches the eye when given game time in the ‘secondary’ competitions, he could give Maresca an almighty selection headache.