‘What we’ve really needed’: No-nonsense Portsmouth verdict on ‘frightening’ Chelsea sensation as stock soars
Chelsea loanee Ryan Kavuma-McQueen’s stock continues to grow at Pompey after yet another high-class display.
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen’s rapid Pompey emergence has been lauded by Zak Swanson as the teenager’s stock continues to rise on the south coast.
The Chelsea sensation proved a constant thorn in the Blades’ backline and caused havoc for right-back Hamza Choudhury, who was sent off after receiving two first-half bookings for fouls on the winger.
It once again boosted Kavuma-McQueen’s standing in the game after an impressive start to life in senior football, having been given the green light to depart Stamford Bridge on loan in the summer.
The England youth international now has a goal and two assists to his name at Fratton Park, which has seen him comfortably fill the void left by the injured Josh Murphy on the left wing.
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen lauded as stock at Pompey rises
And the attacker continues to pick up the plaudits, with Swanson praising the attacker’s hurtling emergence for the Blues this season.
He told The News: ‘He’s a joke. You actually forget he’s 17, he’s built like he’s a lot older than 17. He’s so exciting, there is so much to his game that is so exciting.
‘You look against Sheffield United, it's a 90 minute performance, that’s what we’ve really needed from him and he’s so sharp and so good.
‘He’ll only get better 100 per cent and he’ll definitely go on to have a very good career.
‘It showed (against Sheffield United) that he is only getting better. He got the assist and when his decision making is at the top level, he’ll be frightening.
‘Being a full-back trying to defend against him isn’t nice. I feel sorry for any full-back that has to play against him because he’s got absolutely everything to his game.
‘As a wide player he’s strong, quick, aggressive and he wants to get at you every single time.
‘Sometimes you want him to conserve a bit of energy but he’s so, so good at the one v one.
‘It’s exciting what we’ve got coming this season with him and we just have to keep helping him as a team and help him learn. He’ll only get better.’
Chelsea sensation ranked one of the best loanees at Fratton in recent years
During Swanson’s four-year stay at Fratton Park, the Blues have recruited a number of young players on loan from Premier League and Championship clubs to bolster their ranks.
Although Pompey have had varied levels of success with those signings, Kavuma-McQueen already ranks amongst the best by Swanson, who has lauded the winger’s attitude and willingness to learn.
‘When you see players come in on day one, you know they’re exciting and he’s definitely one of them. He’s such a good kid, he wants to learn and I think that’s the best thing.
‘Obviously, where he’s come from coming out of Chelsea, sometimes you get that where players aren’t really willing to learn, whereas he’s the complete opposite.
‘I can’t speak highly enough of him. Every day he wants to work and every day he wants to get better.
‘He’ll be right up there with natural talent and raw ability at the age he’s at. You do forget that the kid is 17-years-old.
‘When you come on loan at 17 you know he’s going to be a top talent. I came out of a similar system (at Arsenal) and when I was 17 I could tell you I was very far away but he's very good technically.
‘He’d probably be one of the top boys that we’ve had at this football club (who have come in on loan).’
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