Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel passed his verdict on Saul Niguez’s debut showing with the Spain international turning out in the win over Aston Villa on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old midfielder linked up with the Blues on deadline day in a loan deal that runs until the next summer with Chelsea having the option to make the transfer permanent.
Much had been expected of the highly-rated Spaniard to showcase his talents in the centre of the park when named on the starting teamsheet but Thomas Tuchel admitted in his post-match press conference that the debutant struggled to give his best on the pitch.
“I had the feeling that he struggled.
“There were some big mistakes, passing mistakes, and he struggled with the intensity. You could see he isn’t fully adapted. It’s completely my responsibility. I had the feeling he could jump in for us and play at that level.
“I thought it was maybe better to change him, but it doesn’t change anything.”
