Charly Musonda's new deal - It's great that he has committed to the club but still a long way off.

Charly Musonda signed a new four-and-a-half year extension to his current contract taking him to 2022 and it's great news. Despite the new deal, he still has some way to go to break into the Chelsea first team on a regular basis. 

We have to admit we thought the worst over his outburst on social media earlier in the season giving an indication that he was becoming frustrated at Chelsea with his lack of first team opportunities. Antonio Conte stated in the media a couple of days later that he had spoken to Musonda, re-affirmed what is expected on the training pitch and not on social media and that was the end of it. For whatever reason, Musonda was a second half substitute in our defeat against Crystal Palace which was a surprising move. However, he has hardly featured, if not at all since.

Speaking of his new deal, Musonda re-iterated a determination to establish himself at Chelsea. He said:

"I am very happy and very proud. I came here very young and am very happy to continue my journey here. I love this club so it’s a great moment for me and my family. Now I want to establish myself and progress into the team and stay here permanently." - Source: Chelsea FC.

In order for him to do so, he really needs to bulk-up, to fill out and get stronger. As it stands with the current frame he has, he will get knocked about, pushed around and you would have to imagine bullied by Premier League defenders up and down the country.

He has undoubted ability and of that, there is no argument with the new deal being signed at this stage of his career. He did well when he came on against Palace earlier in the season but that was a short cameo appearance and not the full ninety minutes which is what he needs right now.

I wouldn't be surprised if Charly Musonda is loaned out this coming January to a side challenging for the Championship such as Aston Villa for example. At this stage, I would not loan him out to a side in the Premier League because he needs the exposure to life in England first. He needs to cope with the level in the Championship and how keenly it's contested week in, week out to then look to give him exposure in the Premier League.

His new contract is great news but he still has a long way to go until he can expect a regular place in our starting eleven.