To round up the 2012-13 youth football season at Chelsea, we’re reviewing every single one of the Chelsea youngsters currently on the books who have spent time out on loan during the campaign. Here, we focus on Amin Affane.
Club: Roda JC (Netherlands)
Appearances: 16 (1 goal)
The Story
Having been a part of the successful 2011-12 FA Youth Cup winning side, Amin was largely expected to become a part of Dermot Drummy’s Under-21 squad heading into the season, especially with just two appearances at that age group to his name. It therefore came as something of a surprise when it was announced in August that he was to head to the Netherlands on loan, playing for perennial mid-table outfit Roda JC.
Not only did he get into their first team earlier than expected, he became one of their key players. His set piece prowess proved highly beneficial to the Kerkrade team and he weighed in with a few assists and managed to grab his first professional goal with a long-range strike against Groningen.
Things took a negative turn during the club’s winter break though, with accusations from Roda’s coaching staff that the young Swede had reacted badly to being left out of the squad amidst claims of an unprofessional attitude. Affane responded by suggesting that manager Ruud Brood had dismissed claims of an injury and attempted to humiliate him in front of the rest of the squad.
Perhaps for the best, the loan spell was cut short in February and Affane returned to England, unable to play in any Under-21 fixtures, but in a more positive environment at the very least.
The Future
Amin’s Chelsea contract expires at the end of June and for all of his talents, it’s hard to envisage a situation where he would sign a new one. As a free agent, he’ll have a fair number of opportunities having shown he can handle the Eredivisie, and he should go on to have a solid career path in a relatively notable league.