Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 7y

Chelsea's underfire loan system defended by midfielder Jeremie Boga

All of Chelsea's loanees are "looked after very well" and receive regular support and feedback from the club regarding their performances, according to academy prospect Jeremie Boga.

Boga, one of 37 Chelsea players currently out on loan, is spending the season at Spanish club Granada, where he has made 19 La Liga appearances, registering one goal and one assist.

Chelsea have faced accusations of stockpiling young talent and neglecting the development of their loan players on numerous occasions, and in September on-loan Brazilian playmaker Lucas Piazon claimed that it "makes no sense" for youngsters to be loaned to a series of different clubs season after season. 

Eddie Newton, the man in charge of the welfare of Chelsea's loanees, insisted earlier this month that he is "very proud" of the level of care the Blues give to those sent out to other sides, and Boga says he still feels very connected to his parent club despite spending the season in Spain.

"It is very good for all the loan players," Boga told the Daily Mirror. "We are looked after very well and don't feel like we are being left out. Probably every week we talk with someone from the club. They send us videos, messages about the games, asking how training is going, so that helps us a lot.

"They really look after us, especially after the games to make us aware of what we need to improve, what we could have done better."

Boga was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the Chelsea academy but has found it harder to distinguish himself during loan spells at Rennes and now Granada.

And the 20-year-old midfielder admits he does not expect his path to a first-team breakthrough at Stamford Bridge to get any easier.

"I always knew it would be hard because there are so many great players at Chelsea," he said. "But if you keep working, when your chance comes you have to be able to take that opportunity. I don't know what will happen next season. But if Chelsea need me, I will be ready."

Boga joined Chelsea's academy from ASPTT Marseille in 2008 when his family moved to London and enjoyed great success, winning two FA Youth Cups, the Under-21 Premier League and UEFA Youth League.

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