Oriol Romeu is confident he can force his way into Chelsea's starting XI next season, having slipped down the pecking order in 2011/12.
Spanish starlet determined to make his mark at Stamford Bridge
Oriol Romeu is confident he can force his way into Chelsea's starting XI next season, having slipped down the pecking order in 2011/12.
The 20-year-old holding midfielder arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer with a big reputation, having been schooled in Barcelona's famed academy ranks.
He was eased into action by coach Andre Villas-Boas, with his first Premier League start put on hold until November.
A number of promising showings suggested he was set to play a leading role in the Blues' future, but he soon fell out of favour and saw Villas-Boas forced through the exits.
He made just two appearances under interim coach Roberto Di Matteo as the Blues tasted FA Cup and UEFA Champions League success, but is refusing to accept that he is destined to a bit-part player again next term.
Belief
Romeu said: "That I have played less is a reality but there are times when you play more or less and you have to accept that, but now it is a difficult time.
"The manager said he believed in me, but when we entered a phase in which we played a lot he chose the players he believed were more suited to play.
"But I expect to start again in the new season and if I continue to work bit by bit I believe I can get into the team.
"More than anything I believe I can do, as I have already shown I can play from the start.
"When you look at what has happened you know it is not utopia and you can return to achieve it again."
