There’s a fringe player in the Chelsea squad that apparently is recognised as a really important individual at Stamford Bridge.
It’s quite difficult from the outside looking in to spot all the obvious leaders in Chelsea’s current young group.
Blues supporters will fondly remember the recent era when the dressing room was filled of big personalities with players such as John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech.
Now, Reece James is the club captain, while Conor Gallagher is someone that grew into more of a leader last season.
Forgotten Chelsea player is crucial behind the scenes
Simon Johnson, who’s a journalist for The Athletic, has just made an interesting revelation about Chelsea’s Marcus Bettinelli.
Bettinelli, 32, is the third choice goalkeeper at the club and he didn’t make a single appearance last season under Mauricio Pochettino. In fact, he’s only played one senior match for the Blues since his arrival in 2021.
However, it turns out the English gloveman is actually a big figure within the Chelsea dressing room.
Johnson told The Byline: “I forget Marcus Bettinelli of course, who’s the squad man that everyone really enjoys actually. He’s kind of like the Rob Green of Chelsea.
“From what I’m led to believe, he’s filled the [Cesar] Azpilicueta role of being the club man. If you’ve got issues or problems come to me. He’s the PFA rep as well for the club. He’s very sort of under the radar.
“Of course he’s not contributing on the pitch. It made you question why was he given this long contract? Well, now you sort of find out why because he’s this integral figure at the club.”
Marcus Bettinelli a rare senior head
Remarkably, Bettinelli was one of only two players in Chelsea’s first-team squad last season aged 30+.
The other one was 39-year-old veteran centre-back Thiago Silva, but his summer exit now makes the group even younger.
Bettinelli has been content being the third choice goalkeeper, where it sounds like he’s very helpful off the pitch with his presence in the squad.
He signed a new deal with Chelsea back in March 2023, which keeps him at the club until the summer of 2026.
If he’s a helpful guide for the younger players, plus an ambassador for the club, we’re very happy he’s on the books quietly contributing.
Now that Enzo Maresca has been appointed as Pochettino’s successor in the dugout, will Bettinelli’s role change next season?
Related Topics
Laura Adams is a tech enthusiast residing in the UK. Her articles cover the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
