Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is showing signs that Thomas Tuchel’s last act as Chelsea boss may prove to be one of his wisest.
The now-departed German coach was adamant that Aubameyang was the man to lead the line following the failed return of Romelu Lukaku. Having worked together at Borussia Dortmund, there were no concerns over the alleged ‘character issues’ which ended his stint at neighbours at Arsenal.
But just days after he was reunited with the Gabon international, Tuchel was axed as Chelsea boss and subsequently replaced by Graham Potter. It perhaps understandably raised some question marks over Aubameyang’s long-term future at the Bridge, with Potter likely to want his own man.
However, in the early weeks of his tenure - whether out of necessity or not - the 33-year-old is emerging as a key part in the new era. On Wednesday, the striker scored his second goal in as many games as the Blues swept aside AC Milan in the Champions League.
In truth, it wasn’t the most impressive all-round display by the ex-Barcelona ace, but he did what his boss needed him to do, when he needed to do it. The goal also came when a lot of Chelsea eyes were fixed on a player on the opposite side.
Rafael Leao has been on the radar of talent spotters at the club for a number of years and they remain extremely interested in signing the 23-year-old. And while he didn’t find the net during the 3-0 defeat, he showed flashes of why the Rossoneri value him at more than £100million.
And the man who could eventually be his direct competition was suitably impressed with what the Portuguese forward displayed. In fact his comments will likely be ringing in the ears of the Blues bosses, when it comes to making a final decision on a player Aubameyang believes “can make a difference at any moment”.
“He is an incredible player, truly impressive,” Aubameyang explained. “He is very fast, powerful, he can make a difference at any moment. Nothing else to say except that he is incredible ”.
Potter did little to curb speculation of a future transfer either. The new Chelsea boss is often coy when it comes to discussing opposition players, but made a special allowance for the Milan speedster.
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"I am really surprised in a positive way by what he has done, he makes a difference in attack with goals and assists," Potter said of Leao before Wednesday night. "Congratulations, he is a top player.
"Then what he will be in the future I don't know but he is playing really well with Milan. He has the skills and the talent of being able to play well in the Premier League too."
Aubameyang is showing there while there isn’t necessarily any rush to replace him, should Leao get the nod it would - in his eyes at least - be a shrewd move.
