Bertrand is extending Cole's career. They are perfect together in the same squad and Jose has stated many times the same philosophy Ranieri had, at least two equally talented first team players for every position.
It is a tricky thing to do because firstly you need the resources to buy or produce two players that at top level, plus the players themselves hate it, they want number one spot permanently. Many are on contracts that significantly increase based on appearances and win bonuses. Then of course you need the number three at the same position, this is what Chelsea call the youth team. Chelsea Youth players don't just have to dislodge one seasoned pro from his place, they have to compete with two. You may think this gives a greater opportunity and this is what you tell them to keep them at the club, but actually because you have the insurance of two capable players for every position, for management the pressure is off to field a top team and the youngsters only get as far as the bench and friendlies.
The only reason we have seen a few Chelsea youth come through is because of the amount of competitions we've been in and the willingness of recent managers to rotate........OK I'll say it, Benitez. Rotation is a necessity for most clubs, often enforced by injury. Not at Chelsea because our first team knows the two player system and are comfortable with being replaced from with in that 24/26 man squad.
