Chelsea already have Raheem Sterling replacement in Hutchinson | Football | Sport

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Raheem Sterling appears very much to be on a collision course with Chelsea fans, after sections of the Stamford Bridge faithful have taken to booing him after a series of disappointing performances.

Sterling has failed to set west London alight since his move from Manchester City, during which he agreed an eye-watering long-term contract to cement him as one of the highest earners not only at the club, but in the Premier League.

So far this season Sterling has 25 Premier League appearances to his name, with six goals and six assists. But the magic touch has often been lacking, and the England star has looked out of sorts in Mauricio Pochettino’s struggling and somewhat disjointed Chelsea team.

Following the recent FA Cup clash with Leicester City, in which Chelsea were only able to win courtesy of goals deep into added time, Sterling came under serious scrutiny for a lacklustre performance which was typified by missing a penalty, before claiming a free-kick from his team-mates and blazing the ball comically into the stands.

Many questions have now been asked regarding Sterling’s long-term standing at Stamford Bridge, and the manner in which the club could replace the playmaker who turns 30 later this year.

However, Chelsea appear to be one step ahead of the game.

Though the Blues are famed for blindly entering the transfer market and paying whatever premium is required to sign the most in-demand stars, Chelsea for once seem to have conducted a solid degree of due diligence.

All eyes now are turning to 20-year-old Omari Hutchinson, who has been enjoying a sublime season on loan at Ipswich Town.

Hutchinson’s mercurial performances for the Suffolk-based side have aided the push for Premier League promotion, with Ipswich sitting third in the Championship and harbouring big hopes of finaly returning to the English top flight.

Hutchinson appears to be a player very much in the Sterling mold, with electric pace, tricky feet and the eye for a powerful, long-range attempt at goal.

The youngster made his way to Stamford Bridge in 2022 after leaving the youth ranks at Arsenal. Sources within the Gunners set-up have since revealed that Arsenal chiefs were furious about losing their potential-laden rough diamond.

Hutchinson has already clocked up 15 starts and 40 appearances for Ipswich, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.

The statistics never lie, and the youngster is putting up figures which suggest he could indeed be the next big thing. In the rough and tumble of the Championship, Hutchinson boasts a 75% pass completion rate and a 76% pass accuracy level.

Adept on either wing or behind the main striker, it may not be long until Hutchinson becomes a regular, recognised fixture in the Chelsea dressing room.

For now, however, Sterling appears to be very much backed by his team-mates. After taking to social media to apologise for his penalty miss against Leicester, Sterling was inundated with responses from his colleages.

New recruit Cole Palmer led the messages from inside the dressing room, as defender Trevoh Chalobah also replied with: “We love you brother, one family.”

Noni Madueke, who was brought on for Sterling and scored their fourth goal with a stunning effort from range, wrote: “Bro no need to apologise.. we appreciate you.”

Chelsea vice-captain Ben Chilwell similarly added: “Its football, it happens. We all appreciate you brother.”



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