Chelsea supporters are abuzz after watching 20-year-old Dario Essugo’s stellar second-half performance for Las Palmas in their 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo on Monday night. The defensive midfielder, who will join Chelsea in the summer transfer window after a season-long loan at the Spanish club, has already made a significant impression with his combative style and excellent ball-winning abilities.
Essugo’s contribution to the match, despite playing just the second half, was nothing short of impactful. With 16 accurate passes, 4 interceptions, 2 clearances, and a solid defensive presence, the youngster showed he has the quality and grit to compete at the highest level. Chelsea fans took to social media to express their excitement, with one user commenting, “Essugo is a ball-winning machine,” while another fan claimed, “Essugo is everywhere, elite duel winner.”
Key Stats vs Celta Vigo:
Minutes played: 45
Accurate passes: 16/22 (73%)
Interceptions: 4
Clearances: 2
Duels won: 2
Match rating: 6.9
Chelsea’s plan for Essugo is to integrate him into their first-team squad for the 2025/26 season, alongside other top midfield talents like Moisés Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. The club sees Essugo as a physical, ball-winning presence in the midfield, drawing comparisons to Caicedo due to his style of play. His performance has certainly created a buzz among fans, with many already excited about the potential midfield trio of Caicedo, Lavia, and Essugo, which could offer a dynamic mix of youth, energy, and steel.
Despite Las Palmas fighting relegation in La Liga, Essugo has become an important player in their survival hopes, and Chelsea supporters are hopeful that he can bring that same level of intensity and effectiveness to Stamford Bridge. His defensive mindset, tactical awareness, and ability to dominate in duels make him an ideal fit for the pace and physicality of the Premier League, and many are already envisioning a partnership with Caicedo next season that could be a nightmare for opposing midfielders.
Essugo’s arrival in West London marks another exciting addition to Chelsea’s growing squad, with his potential and performances suggesting he could play a crucial role in the Blues’ midfield for years to come.
As Chelsea prepares for Essugo’s highly anticipated move in the summer, the midfield depth next season looks frighteningly strong. With his defensive acumen, he could well become a key figure in Chelsea’s long-term plans, and supporters are eagerly awaiting his arrival.
