Bryan Fiabema has four goals in six Premier League 2 appearances for Chelsea’s U23s this season and his goalscoring abilities have allowed him train with the first team.
The 17-year-old arrived at the London club from Norwegian side Tromsø IL at the start of this year. The Covid-19 pandemic started impacting European countries around March, and the global health crisis made it difficult for the young forward when adapting to his new surroundings.
Tore André Flo, a loan player technical coach at Stamford Bridge, is impressed with his compatriot’s start to his Chelsea career.
“It’s been a pretty difficult time to do it, but he’s handled it really well. It’s been impressive,” Flo told VG.
“It’s extremely tough competition, but he’s taken a very big step. Bigger than we had thought so far. He has already been given a high star and established himself in the U23 team earlier than the club had envisioned. We thought he would need more time, but he has played a lot.”
VG states ‘there is reason to believe’ the teenager will be loaned out for a ‘few seasons’ before he gets an opportunity to represent Chelsea’s senior team.
Another Norwegian outlet TV2 also have comments from Flo, after Fiabema trained with the first team.
“It’s a huge vote of confidence, which proves that he’s done very well,” the Chelsea official said.
Imad El Hammichi, the agent of the talented youngster claims his client has the confidence of the Premier League side.
“After the first session, he said that the advice he received from Frank Lampard – and the attention he paid him – he has never experienced in many years in Norway. That says something about Lampard and the faith he has in Bryan,” the representative explained.
According to TV2, Fiabema initially signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Chelsea and his contract has been ‘renewed with better conditions’. There’s no details of what those ‘better conditions’ are.
Meanwhile, Lampard has opened the door for the Norway U17 international to make his way into his plans at Chelsea.
“I have always had great faith in those who come through the academy, and I think some of them can compete already this season,” the Chelsea manager stressed.
“I have heard that someone has said that our young players do not get the chance, but if you look at Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Mason Mount, you will see that I have no problem giving them the chance. I am really happy that they are developing.
“It is important that the young players in Chelsea feel that new players raise the bar. My job is to pick the best players for each match. No one gets medals for debuts or academy matches. I have to pick the best, and it is up to the players to prove that they are good enough.”
