Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel believes Saul Niguez has taken a ‘huge step’ after his performance in Chelsea’s shootout victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
The Spain international has struggled to make an impact after arriving on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer window.
Saul has only played once in the Premier League and was substituted at half-time after a woeful debut display against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
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He was handed third start for the Blues in their Carabao Cup tie against Southampton on Tuesday night and they were taken to penalties with Reece James scoring the winning spot kick.
And Tuchel says he is encouraged by Saul’s performance against the Saints. ‘It was a good match, it was a huge step in the right direction for him,’ Tuchel told Chelsea TV after the game.
‘I am happy. We thought maybe he would be struggling with the intensity and thought about [substituting him after] 70 minutes, 75 [minutes], but he got better and better, had chances and shots.
‘We thought let’s keep him [on the pitch] and give him the minutes. It was a good step for him.’
Tuchel also praised Kepa, who was at fault for Southampton’s goal but made some superb saves in the second half and was the hero once again in the shootout as he saved Theo Walcott’s effort.
‘He produces. He is full of confidence,’ said Tuchel. ‘He has this experience now with us, and he has done it again and again.
‘Just because you win a penalty shoot-out, does not mean you will do it again. Full credit to him. ‘It’s a special thing in football and we were again concentrated and calm. Kepa was a big part of that.’
