Going Dutch

Lewis Baker, Dominic Solanke and Izzy Brown are halfway through their Dutch adventure and have settled well at Eredivisie club Vitesse Arnhem as they aim to impress their parent club, Chelsea. The English starlets (each on a season-long loan at Vitesse Arnhem) have been adapting to a new football culture and environment.

FA Youth Cup winners at Chelsea, the trio had been awarded what has become a customary loan deal to Vitesse as the next step in their professional development.

The Dutch club have been in some difficult form since just before the winter break. Understandably changes have affected results, as manager Peter Bosz recently departed to coach Maccabi Tel Aviv. His replacement Rob Mass is now responsible in rediscovering Vitesse’s form and pushing for a spot in Europe next season.

Accounting for themselves quite well thus far, the young Blues will be eager to impress the new manager, fans and those at Chelsea during their remaining time in the Netherlands.

Playing in a different system and amongst a different language, the young stars who are influential at youth level, turned the heads of former manager Peter Bosz and club captain Guram Kashia, whom whilst impressed at the talents of the young men, was also delighted at their ‘sporting mentality’.

 

Izzy Brown (left), Dominic Solanke (centre), Lewis Baker (right)

 

Lewis Baker could arguably be said to be benefiting from the experience the most. The midfielder has been a starter in 15 of Vitesse’s 23 games this season (appearing as a substitute in 6 of the others). Under Bosz, the midfielder was relied on heavily, scoring three goals and amounting three assists. More importantly the midfielder has proven a real asset; creating the most for his team, recording 37 chances created and 34 key passes.

 

“He switches the ball between both feet effortlessly. Not that one leg is much better than the other. He can shoot great with both feet. Corners, free kicks, penalties.”

“It is unprecedented, even at the highest level in Europe, you’ll rarely see such a thing.”

  Peter Bosz (Vitesse ex-manager on Lewis Baker)

 

Baker, a strong presence at the start of the season, has struggled for starts since November and particularly since newly installed manager Rob Mass took charge of the club in mid January. However as displayed at the start of the season, Baker has plenty of quality which will undoubtedly see him return to the starting lineup and figure heavily during the remainder of Vitas’ season.

 

“He is an amazing player. His technique is outstanding and unique in the Eredivisie. He takes excellent free kicks with both feet and his passing is fantastic. He will definitely play for a European top club in a few years.”

Hans Kraay Jr (Voetbal International analyst) on Lewis Baker

 

Dominic Solanke, has equally been present this season. Appearing as a starter in 16 of Vitesse’s games this season, the exciting forward has totalled 5 goals so far. Although the striker has been less impressive than Baker, the step-up in quality will be an influential learning curve.

Recently injured, Solanke firmly has his head on his shoulders. At only 18 the youngster is not letting the experience get the better of him and is realistic of the task ahead in succeeding at his goals and those expected of him.

 

“…I’m only at the beginning, I have proved nothing. Someday I hope to make my dreams come true. For now I keep the focus on working hard and getting better.”

Dominic Solanke

 

Solanke is a real talent. Amassing buckets of goals at youth level and displaying his immense quality on and off the ball, many at the Chelsea quietly expect the English youngster to be one of the few to breakthrough into the Chelsea first team. Bosz, while in charge at Vitesse described his as an ‘exceptional talent’ whilst incredibly ex-Vitesse defender Ferdi Vierklau compared some of the striker’s abilities to that of superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It is a incredible compliment and one that Solanke will not let go to his head if he aims to prove himself home and abroad.

 

“He’s only 18 and already doing so well. He really is an executioner. Ruthless in front of goal. Even when he gets an impossible pass, he manages to do something beautiful with it. In that respect, he is a bit reminiscent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”

Ferdi Vierklau (Ex-Vitesse defender) on Dominic Solanke

 

Whilst Isaiah (Izzy) Brown has not featured as heavily in the team as his Chelsea teammates. Unfortunately injured recently, Brown will be eager to get back in the action as the attacking midfielder is beginning to see more action under new manager Rob Mass and will undoubtedly want to finish the year strongly before returning to Chelsea.

The nineteen year old talent has stated in previous years of the importance of developing amongst strong players and great coaches. His Dutch experience at Vitesse will contribute to his technical understanding and progression as a footballer and will make him a better player for it.

 

“Being patient is the most important thing in football. Nothing comes to you on a plate. You have to work for it. I am willing to put in 100 per cent every day to become a Chelsea player.”

Izzy Brown speaking to The Evening Standard (May 2015)

 

Injury-hit Solanke and Brown will be hoping to make a fast recovery and reappearance in this team. The pair still have a lot to prove at Vitesse. While their talent is undeniable, contributing to a Eredivisie season requires much more than promise. Baker on the other hand will be crucial to the final half of the Eredivisie season.

With Vitesse sitting 5th in the league, the promising Blues trio can continue to help the Dutch club push for a place in a European competition. In return, they will take away invaluable experience in their aim to become Chelsea stars.