Who’s Xavier Mbuyamba, I hear you ask?
Well, dear readers, he is a young midfielder that Chelsea managed to attract from Barcelona in August 2020 and made his debut with the reserves in April 2021, which is why you have probably seen his name grow up in the media.
But there is so much more to learn about the Dutchman, and one little thing about the young prospect seems to be in order if we are to understand why the Blues were so anxious to get their husbands.
Here are seven things to know about the Chelsea kid.
Chelsea could have landed her husband a little earlier | Julian Finney / Getty Images
Do you remember the summer of 2019 when Chelsea were not allowed to sign anyone? Yes, those were unfortunate times for the West London side, especially as they were about to intercept Mbuyamba during the weeks leading up to their transfer ban.
The 19-year-old went through trials at Chelsea as the club adapted a move for the then MVV Maastricht player, only for their possible transfer barriers to stop them in their tracks.
“I should have actually gone to Chelsea, because they were the first to come,” Mbuyamba told VTBL via The Sun.
“But due to a transfer ban, they could not offer a contract. Then the choice finally fell on Barcelona. “
Mbuyamba has represented the Netherlands at below 19 level | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
With such a cool name, it’s interesting to know the origin of it, right?
It turns out that Mbuyamba has both DR Congo and Dutch citizenship, after being born to a Congolese father and Dutch mother. However, he was born in the city of Maastricht, which means that when he showed up for the club, he played for his local side. It’s always nice.
At least that’s what his agent said. But as we all know, it can often be a dirty way of encountering interest and forcing the (actually) interested clubs to act quickly and efficiently.
Juventus, Inter, Real Madrid as well as other top clubs in England and Germany are said to have had their interest before – which makes it all the more impressive that Chelsea landed their man.
Apparently he has already been compared to Virgil van Dijk | Jonathan Moscrop / Getty Images
You guessed it.
Every up-and-coming talent ends with a similar comparison, whether it’s the player’s coach or just the media hype that makes the call, it will always happen.
So with him as a Dutchman and a central defender, the natural act is to make comparisons with one of the best defenders in the world, Virgil van Dijk.
How valid these links are is somewhat debatable, but if you see “the next Virgil van Dijk” floating around anywhere, you can assume with some certainty that it is Mbuyamba.
Mbuyamba during his days in Maastricht | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
We have seen in recent years that quality defenders have become the unattainable holy grail of European football. If you want the best box, expect to pay a fortune.
So with an exciting young star causing a European club frenzy, Mbuyamba must be good at something. It turns out that it defends.
Already at 6’4, his flying ability has been highlighted as particularly strong, even though he has a good natural technique and assurance for someone of his size. Think of a Van Dijk and Joel Matip cross, if you will.
Given how tall he is, it may be an odd tactical choice to play him in a back-to-back position, but it is a role that Mbuyamba has taken up earlier in his days in his home country.
The above-mentioned comfort on the ball is what puts him well, despite the obvious fear of becoming faster than a fast winger. But do not be afraid, he is obviously not a slum either.
That ball-playing ability means that he is also comfortable in midfield. Useful.
Mbuyamba hopes to become a full Dutch international Soccrates Images / Getty Images
He completed just 90 minutes on two occasions for Maastricht, but the evidence of his quality was clear for all to see, which is why Chelsea and Barça were so keen on 2019.
Mbuyamba left the latter in 2020 and had never played for his B-team in the league, even though he made three appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
His only international appearance for the Netherlands so far came in a U19 friend
After suffering a torn meniscus during the pre-season, Mbuyamba made his bow for the Chelsea development side in April 2021.
It was also an impressive cameo, with the 19-year-old coming off the bench to make it third in a 3-1 win over Southampton. The high defender reacted most quickly to a loose ball in the penalty area and shot home with a sniper.
Apart from the goal, Mbuyamba demonstrated his calm and passing area with some excellent knocks, used his ridiculous height to win two flight duels, completed a couple of nice interceptions and made a crunchy gliding challenge – all in just 24 minutes.
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