Baba Rahman Makes Inspiring Chelsea Debut

The Ghana international had to wait more than a month after his transfer to make his first appearance, but a solid display suggests he could be in to stay. Ghana left-back Baba Rahman finally made his much-awaited debut on Wednesday as Chelsea thrashed Maccabi Tel-Aviv 4-0 in the Uefa Champions League group stage encounter. Goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa and Fabregas at Stamford Bridge handed the Blues their second win of the season. Having won just a game in five league matches ahead of Wednesday's meeting, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho made five changes to the side that lost 3-1 to Everton on Saturday, a move that benefited Baba for his debut. The former Asante Kotoko defender started at left-back in place of Cesare Azpilicueta, who was moved over to the right in the stead of the uninspiring Branislav Ivanovic. But for a bench appearance in Chelsea�s 3-2 win over West Brom on August 23, Baba, who joined the Blues on a five-year deal from German outfit Augsburg in August, had barely had a look-in at his new outfit. However, his splendid performance against Tel-Aviv on Wednesday suggests the 21-year-old defender may be in to stay, particularly with a daunting task with Arsenal on Saturday. According to Squawka, Baba managed a 91 per cent pass accuracy, three tackles won, five take-ons and provided two crosses, an outing that left many singing his praise. Although failing to single out the Ghanaian, Mourinho's post-match comments reveals his joy at his team�s output, one that bodes well for Baba. �We hadn�t won a game for long, so it�s a good feeling,� he said. �The team had a big determination to be a bit different and to show a different state of mind. �I am happy with the performance and result.� Baba could be handed his league debut on Saturday when Chelsea play Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.