German football expert Archie Rhind-Tutt says Baba Rahman’s qualities will give English Premier League giants Chelsea a major boost.
He spoke to Chelsea TV, after the former Dreams FC captain signed for the Blues on Sunday.
Baba was unveiled by the club on Tuesday and trained at the Cobham training grounds in West London.
The 21-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Bundesliga side Augsburg earlier this week, and Rhind-Tutt, who appears regularly on BT Sport’s European Football Show, praised the left-back’s performances in the German top flight.
"Baba developed exceedingly well at Augsburg,’ Rhind-Tutt told Chelsea TV.
"He was only there for a season but he contributed quite a bit to what was the greatest season in their history last year.
"Augsburg finished fifth in the Bundesliga which was one of the biggest shocks in recent times in the division.
"He’s exceedingly quick. I saw him live at Borussia Monchengladbach on the last day of the season and what really strikes you when you watch him live is just how athletic he is. What is expected from the modern full-back is somebody who can get back and forward so very rapidly, and he has the quality to do that. Not only that, on the ball he’s just so confident as well and I think he’ll be a real asset to Chelsea.
"He has faced numerous quick strikers and wingers in the Bundesliga and dealt with them accordingly. He can play in midfield but he’s best suited to playing at full-back. He certainly has the pace to move up the pitch."
Rhind-Tutt believes with the strikers Jose Mourinho has at his disposal, Baba’s ability to deliver quality crosses from wide areas could prove to be hugely beneficial in the coming months.
‘I can remember last season he was curling dangerous crosses into the box,’ he says.
‘Considering Chelsea have Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa, two players so dangerous with their aerial ability, I think it only bodes well.
‘He’ll give Chelsea an added dimension with the extra running. He’ll be willing to bide his time. Being 21 there is potential for him to grow further.’