Former Ghana captain C.K Akunnor says it is too early to pass judgment on the performance of Baba Abdul Rahman since joining English giants Chelsea.

The 21-year-old has struggled for regular playing time with the Blues despite arriving as an expensive signing from German club Augsburg in the summer.

Baba has so far managed just two Premier League appearances for the faltering Chelsea side and is already being considered as a flop by critics.

But former Black Stars captain C.K Akunnor says the talented left-back needs more time to assert himself at Stamford Bridge after such a rapid rise in his football career.

“It is too early to judge him. After a year I think we can make a fair assessment,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“His progress has been so rapid. Within just a year he played for Dreams FC, went to Kotoko and then to Greuther Furth in just a year.

“He climbed so fast that from experience as a former player I think that growth needs to stall a bit for him to have the balance.”

Rahman is in direct competition with the assured Cezar Azpilicueta at Chelsea.

The Ghana international was however handed his first start for Chelsea in the Premier League in their 2-0 win over Aston Villa due to some defensive restructuring following an injury to Branislave Ivanovic.