Michael Essien failed to get off the Chelsea bench in the opening season win over Hull City despite his ââ¬Ëdaddyââ¬â¢ Jose Mourinho at the helm.
The Ghana international was quite a surprise omission for the Blues starting line up for their first game of the season on Sunday.
Mourinho preferred to start the much dynamic and younger Ramires in the holding role to Essienââ¬â¢s power in the 2-0 win over the newly promoted side.
New signings Andre Schurrle and Van Ginkel got in on the act in the second half with the experienced Ghanaian left comfortably picking his nose on the bench.
Essienââ¬â¢s drop under his ââ¬Ëdaddyââ¬â¢ Mourinho is already getting several interpretations.
While many believe it is the beginning of the real end for the former Lyon man at the English club, others also say he was just being spared for fiercer battles in future.
The 30-year-old excelled on loan at Spanish giants Real Madrid last term where he played under Mourinho.
He is therefore expected to further his career after bad spells with injuries under the same manager who once made him a formidable midfield element.