The 23-year-old’s scoring frequency reads a goal every 234 minutes, which isn’t breathtaking, but is significantly better than previous campaigns. He’s taken more touches this year, plays more key passes per game and spends more time in the opposition half compared to the 18-19 season.
Boga’s explosiveness and dribbling ability has put him at the top of the dribbling charts in the Italian top flight, although it’s his improved end product which has surely alerted some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and prompted Chelsea to reportedly consider re-activating the buy-back clause for the attacking midfielder.
With Frank Lampard’s men set to lose the services of Willian and Pedro Rodriguez when their contracts run out later this year, he may seek reinforcements, even though he will be able to call upon Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi as recognised widemen.
As such, bringing back Boga would make sense, as it would give Lampard more options out wide and, in theory, two wingers each for both positions.
Be that as it may, there are doubts as to whether the five-time Premier League champions should be adding another player with potential to an already young squad. Lampard’s side started the season well, but tailed off, as the rigours of the campaign got too much for them. This has led to an alarming slump since late November.
There’s the perception that a certain profile of player, possibly one in his mid-20s or above, should be targeted to help Chelsea compensate for their inexperience and naivety.
The major reason Ziyech’s signing was cheered is due to his knack of consistently influencing games through his creativity and end product for Ajax, something currently lacking in the side.
While Boga has shown this year he can be more than simply a dribbler, it’s just one campaign and it may be wise to monitor him for another season in Italy to be sure this campaign’s numbers aren’t a one-off.
Still, the Ivorian could well represent a cost-effective alternative to Jadon Sancho, who is reportedly Lampard’s number one priority for the next transfer window, but the Blues could be priced out of the move for the precocious Borussia Dortmund youngster.
Thus, unlike the Sassuolo man, arguments about Sancho’s age, inexperience and doubts about his end product can’t be used against him.
Admittedly, Boga has grown since that brief debut at Stamford Bridge nearly three ago, and may return to the club later this year. Still, Chelsea fans will have to be patient with the playmaker, who can still be frustrating from time to time.
Boga’s not the finished article, but his technical qualities would make him an entertaining addition for Chelsea and, potentially, the kind of match-winner who could help replace the losses of Pedro and Willian.