Saul Niguez makes 'difficult' Chelsea demand to Thomas Tuchel amid £30m transfer question

Chelsea midfielder Saul Niguez has offered Thomas Tuchel some 'easy' advice as the Spaniard looks for more playing time amid a slow start to his Blues career.

Saul, 27, had a poor beginning to the 2021/22 season, being hooked at half-time in his debut and culminating in an error-prone cameo against Everton during the festive schedule.

However, his latest performances against Wolves, Brentford and Tottenham in different competitions have eased fears that he wouldn't be suitable to English football, with manager Tuchel admitting his admiration for the midfielder after having to respond to his critics at the time.

"Yeah he is, he is," Tuchel replied ahead of the Tottenham Carabao Cup second leg when asked if the midfielder was starting to find his feet in the capital. "He is happier and freer in training, I see it every day. He played better when he came on against Wolverhampton, he already had a good impact so he is stepping up and stepping out.

"I was so happy when I saw him on the sideline for the second goal in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, he was totally committed and it was very impressive to see him like this.

"So, it is an important moment for him and I have the feeling he digested the experiences in the beginning where maybe he didn’t expect it like this. He is not the first player to struggle from the switch, what he does is good because he is open and fully focussed, totally committed to the team."

Despite mixed performances, it could be argued that the 27-year-old isn't getting enough regular minutes to justify his £30million price-tag, should the Blues wish to turn his loan move permanent.

It is something Saul wants corrected, if Tuchel is able to make the 'difficult' call to drop one of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho