Sloppy Saul Niguez substituted at half-time after a nightmare Chelsea debut with ex-Atletico Madrid star dominated by 20-year-old Aston Villa midfielder

Chelsea’s Saul Niguez was substituted at half time during his debut against Aston Villa on Saturday after enduring a ‘tough’ half where he was dominated by youngster Jacob Ramsey.

The Spanish international was signed from Atletico Madrid on deadline day in a last-gasp move, for a £4million loan fee that can be made permanent next summer.

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Coming off of a league-winning campaign with Atleti last season, Saul opted to move to the Premier League in search for more minutes in central midfield.

The 26-year-old became a utility player under Diego Simeone last season, but was seen by Blues boss as the perfect midfield reinforcement.

Saul was handed his debut alongside Mateo Kovacic in the centre of the park against Aston Villa on Saturday evening, but endured a terrible start to his Chelsea career, only making it until half-time.

During talkSPORT’s live and exclusive commentary of the match, former Premier League midfielder Matt Holland commented on Saul’s difficult start.

“He’s had a tough day, Saul, a tough debut,” said the former Premier League man.

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“He’s taking too many touches on the ball, thinking he’s got more time than he has, not aware of what’s around him, guilty of giving the ball away cheaply as well, his passing hasn’t been particularly good.

“He’s had a tough day at the office and he’s been up against a lad in Jacob Ramsey who has been absolutely fantastic.”

Saul was dispossessed three times in the opening 45 minutes, only managing an 84% pass completion before being replaced by Jorginho.

Holland correctly predicted that a substitution was on it’s way, with Tuchel’s side only a goal up via Romelu Lukaku.

And the change appeared to do the trick, with Chelsea sealing a 3-0 win to go level on points with Manchester United at the top of the table.

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Holland said: “It’s an area Thomas Tuchel will be looking at and whether he feels they might need to make a change in there, it’ll be interesting to see.

“Maybe not just yet. I think he might leave it ten or 15 minutes, it’s Saul’s debut and Tuchel won’t want to unsettle him in this first game.

“But, at the same time, you have to be ruthless. You have to make sure you win the game and do the right things and he has had a tough first 45 minutes.”

Well, Tuchel didn't even wait ten minutes to make the change, as European Championship winner with Italy Jorginho emerged for the second-half in Saul's place.

If you didn't know it before, it appears Tuchel is a very ruthless manager indeed...

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