Despite their poor reputation for giving youth a chance, Chelsea have one of the best academies in Europe.
John Terry was the last truly great player to come through Chelsea’s academy
The conveyor belt of talent coming through the academy at Chelsea Football Club is only accelerating, but the question remains, whilst many of Chelsea’s top young talents are likely to have impressive careers, will they be with the Blues? The club is now consistently churning out quality youngsters, but are more used to loaning them out and subsequently selling them than thrusting them straight into the first team.
Chelsea won the UEFA Youth League in 2015 and 2016, beating the likes of Real Madrid and PSG, emphasising the quality of young players at Stamford Bridge. Following England’s success at the under-20 World Cup, we took a look at the top 7 unearthed youth prospects at Manchester United, and today we turn our attention to Chelsea.
The first team squad at Chelsea currently boasts five of their own academy products, although none are first team regulars. In this article, we look at the unearthed gems lying in wait at Stamford Bridge though. That means, only players who are yet to make a first team league appearances are considered. Here are seven of the best unearthed hot prospects at Chelsea:
Lewis Baker
Chelsea’s Lewis Baker celebrates with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford
We start with a player who arguably isn’t that ‘unearthed’, given that he has spent the last two seasons playing in the Dutch top flight, but having yet to play in a league game for the Blues, he meets the criteria. The 22-year-old is a versatile player – primarily a central midfielder, he can play in a deeper or more advanced role and also on either wing. A well-rounded midfielder and a set piece specialist, Baker may be hoping to get a chance under Antonio Conte next season.
Mario Pasalic
The only player to feature here who isn’t actually a product of Chelsea’s own academy, Mario Pasalic began his career at Hadjuk Split, but was signed by the Blues in 2014. He has spent the last three seasons on-loan with Elche, Monaco and AC Milan. That is an indication of his pedigree at the age of 22, and he is already a full international for Croatia. A central midfielder with an eye for a pass, Pasalic has now played regularly in the top flights of Croatia, Spain, France and Italy, and we’ve no doubt he’d love to add England to that list next season.
Charly Musonda
Chelsea starlet Charly Musonda in action for Real Betis against Atletico Madrid
Quite possibly the most exciting player in the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge, Charly Musonda is certainly a player to look out for. The 20-year-old can operate as either an attacking midfielder or as a winger. Musonda has good close control, can beat a man and also has the intelligence to pick his head up and play a pass, an attribute sometimes lacking in younger players. Musonda spent last season on-loan at Real Betis, and may expect to be loaned out once more next season.
Jeremie Boga
Yet another Chelsea youngster who spent last season out on-loan in La Liga, Jeremie Boga has been with the Blues since the age of 12, and he is now 20. More comfortable in attacking midfield or wide right, Boga is still raw, but possesses genuine pace and is a real menace on the ball. If he can continue to develop over the next couple of years he has the makings of a star.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea prospect Trevoh Chalobah sees off the challenge of two Bristol Rovers players
Nathaniel Chalobah has been one of the most highly-regarded youngsters at Chelsea for some time now, being loaned out six times and now a member of the first team, but his brother Trevoh Chalobah is rather less known. That may be because Trevoh is 5 years younger than his brother, but it could all be about to change.
A centre-back who is really comfortable on the ball, Trevoh is quick, strong and versatile. It is perhaps too early to be talking about first team football at the Bridge, but a loan move next season shouldn’t be too soon for Chalobah, who is too good for youth football.
Jay Dasilva
When Jay Dasilva put in a dominant performance in the 2015 UEFA Youth League final at the age of 17, Ian Wright claimed he was better than any Premier League left-back. That may have been pushing it, but Dasilva is a player of serious potential, and it is somewhat surprising that he is yet to make his league debut for the Blues, now aged 19. A very attacking full-back who possesses great pace and good technique, Dasilva played 10 games on-loan at Charlton Athletic last season.
Dujon Sterling
The likes of Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Mason Mount and Marcin Bulka could all have made the last spot on this list, but it is Dujon Sterling who edges it. The youngest player on this list, Sterling can play anywhere on the right of the pitch, from right-back to on the right of a front three. He has lightning pace and an eye for goal which has already got heads turning and some suspecting he has the ability to be a top class player.
Which youngster should Antonio Conte give a chance to at Stamford Bridge?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
