Only a week earlier he showed he is more than holding his own in a Premier League dressing room by hijacking an Ashley Cole Q&A on Chelsea TV to cold-call his senior colleague with some irreverent fashion questions.
Hard weeks in the gym have added a few pounds to his slender frame and even during the club’s pre-season tour of Asia he was learning to respond to the odd playful training-ground biting tackle with a few subtle digs of his own.
He arrived in England with German legend Rudi Voller proclaiming him a world-class act in the making.
“He needs to gain more ruggedness and become more forceful,” he said. “If he gains in those areas he will become a big player.”
Hairdryer survival – check. Banter participant – check. Bashing the weights – check. Stand up to training ground competitiveness – check. Surely he is most of the way to developing that “ruggedness” already?
The mid-term report must have him down as something of a star pupilHis performance in the reverse fixture against Schalke certainly suggested that. Only, to coin a catchphrase that is becoming increasingly common at Stamford Bridge, don’t call him Shirley.
He scored his first goal for Chelsea in the win over Manchester City.
But last night’s run-out was an extra Champions League schooling for a player who, at 22, is all but ready for the rigours of the Premier League.
The “world class” bit is increasingly undeniable. The free-kick Schurrle struck in the 19th minute needed an outstanding save from Timo Hildebrand to prevent it from setting Chelsea on their way.
And as Schalke were forced to try to look for a way back into the game later on, it gave Schurrle more opportunity to showcase his pace on the counter-attack.
Another sharp shot was again denied by Hildebrand just before the hour, and he was eventually replaced in the 78th minute.
Ultimately, Eto’o will rightfully claim the lion’s share of the credit for last night’s win. But an ‘A’ for effort and determination goes to Schurrle.
His eagerness to get involved had been evident, rather charmingly, by the regular sight of his arm held high in the air in the manner of an enthusiastic schoolboy.
If he has come to England to attend the finishing school of hard knocks, the mid-term report must have him down as something of a star pupil.
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