Oscar Shines Brightly in Chelsea FC Starting Debut

In his Chelsea FC debut, Oscar celebrates one of his two goals in their 2-2 Champions League draw with Juventus. (AP Photo)

In terms of this year's UEFA Champions League, the pressure may be greatest on Chelsea FC. As the reigning champions of Europe, they must overcome history if they hope to repeat this year as champions. Since 1990 and the beginning of the Champions League era, no club has managed to successfully defend their European crown.

Chelsea's title defense began with their greatest competition in the group stage. In recent years, Juventus has emerged as the class of Italian football in Serie A. It was Chelsea that got on the scoreboard first with a pair of first half goals (more about those is forthcoming). Juventus answered with one goal to pull within 2-1 at halftime.

As Chelsea tried to hold on for the crucial victory, they set back defensively. However, poor decision making and play allowed Juventus multiple opportunities to comeback. The Italians took full advantage in the 80th minute when Fabio Quagliarella scored the equalizer. Juventus had chances to score a winner, but the final whistle sealed a draw for both sides.

While it is easy for Chelsea to be disappointed by the result, there were certainly a number of positives that emerged from the game. The foremost being the emergence of a blossoming star. Oscar is one of the young superstars coming out of Brazil ready to burst onto the international scene. Just 21 years of age, the midfielder has a world of potential in his footballing prowess.

When acquiring Oscar for a cool 25 million pounds, many openly wondered if Chelsea had panicked and overpaid for a young talent that only had potential to accomplish great things. Making his club debut as a starter, Oscar left little to doubt that he is ready for the big stage. His first goal did benefit from some good fortune when his shot deflected off a Juventus player and into the net.

Only two minute later, Oscar's second goal was the result of pure skill and the talent he has been blessed with. His beautiful strike didn't even grant Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon a hope of saving it. The goals weren't the only thing that caused Oscar to shine brightly before his peers, supporters, and viewers around the world. His play all over the field was superb to say the least.

When writing about Oscar's performance, ESPN.com's Phil Lythell described it as follows, "The strike (first goal), though, filled the youngster with confidence and his second goal a couple of minutes later was a thing of beauty, leaving everyone in Stamford Bridge wide-eyed and open-mouthed. His tricks and flicks were all measured and to the benefit to the team, every backheel purposeful rather than indulgent. Given room to operate, he began to dictate Chelsea's forward momentum and became the central figure in the home side's display."

Chelsea did have to settle for a draw with Juventus. However, regardless of how they play in the Champions League, they have witnessed the emergence of a new star. Oscar is not only loaded with potential, but is capable of making a significant impact immediately. It will be a joy to get to watch him mature and grow with both Chelsea and his native Brazilian national team.