Lucas Piazón: Kaká's Second Coming. Stuck on the Bench.

São Paulo FC may very well be best known for its über famous export, midfielder and playmaker extraordinaire Kaká. It comes as no surprise then that Kaká's doppleganger - in both position and boyish charm - is already leaving an impression.

Lucas Piazón's stellar performance in São Paulo's youth system, which produced such megastar talents as Cafu and Kaká, and for Brazil's national side caught everyone's eye early on, his performance in the Premier Cup in 2008 solidifying his value.

2011 saw Piazón being courted by many a European giant, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus all reportedly expressing interest. His future as yet another Brazilian export was sealed when he signed his soul away to Chelsea's youth system, being unable to play for the first team until he had obtained a work visa in early 2012. In no time at all, he sacrificed himself to the club until 2017, signing a contract extension less than a week after getting his work visa.

 

Lucas put in impressive performance after impressive performance with the Chelsea Reserves and a 5 year contract extension shows Chelsea's confidence in the 18 year-old Brazilian, begging the question of why he has yet to make his first team debut.

Piazón found himself seated firmly on the bench in the end of January as well as in early February as Chelsea drew with both Swansea City and Manchester United. With an FA Cup final against Liverpool, a Champions League semifinal clash with Barcelona, and a possible Champions League final all looming on the horizon for Chelsea, Di Matteo may do well to rest Juan Mata, the Blues' primary playmaker. With a gaping hole of creativity missing on the pitch for Chelsea should Mata take a short respite (QPR match this weekend, anyone?), it would seem only natural to give the Kaká look-alike a chance to prove himself on a larger scale.

Lucas will find himself with less playing time otherwise, as Chelsea's reserves play their last league game of the season today against Manchester United Reserves. 

written by Yasmien Mizyed