Chelsea have earned a reputation for producing young stars from their renowned academy over the last ten years. Cobham graduates are players who have come out the other side of Chelsea’s academy and have ultimately gone on to do great things.
Some have contributed to the major success over the last decade, whereas others have gone on their own journeys elsewhere to make an impact. This regime over the last decade has seen the Blues invest in young talent and then make a habit out of selling these young talents for a profit, and now they have a number of their former stars scattered across the Premier League and beyond.
This article will be looking at the significant names who have made their names in world football after a successful time at Chelsea’s Cobham.
From the Academy to Maresca’s Chelsea
Although there have been many departures of players following their time in the academy, there are still players who represent their boyhood club. Undoubtedly, Maresca’s new-look Chelsea will view these players as staples for the future.
Reece James:
When we think of Chelsea players representing their boyhood club, we immediately think of club captain Reece James.
James joined Chelsea at the age of six after beginning his playing career at the grassroots level with Kew Park Rangers and Epsom Eagles.
In March 2017, he signed a professional contract at Chelsea. During the 2017-18 season, he led the under-18 team to victory in the FA Youth Cup and earned the title of Academy Player of the Season. In June 2018, he agreed to a new four-year deal with the club. This was an opportunity for the now Chelsea skipper to go get some desired first-team football. This ultimately led him to sign a loan deal at Wigan Athletic.
This ended up being hugely successful for Reece’s development, as was the anchor of Wigan’s midfield, which allowed him to achieve a spot in 2018-19 EFL Championship team of the season. He also won three awards at Wigan Athletic’s end-of-season awards, including Player of the Year.
On his return to Chelsea in 2019, he was strongly touted to be fast tracked into Frank Lampard’s new-look Chelsea team. With a transfer embargo looming over Chelsea, it was Lampard’s job to utilise the youth at his disposal. James debuted for Chelsea on September 25, 2019. In a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in the third round of the 2019-20 EFL Cup, he scored his first goal and provided two assists. James scored the fourth goal in Chelsea’s 4-4 comeback draw with Ajax on November 5, making him the team’s youngest-ever UEFA Champions League goal scorer. On January 16, 2020, he agreed to a long-term contract agreement with Chelsea.
Reece quickly made the right-back position his own at Chelsea. Following the sacking of Frank Lampard, Tuchel had the same vision for Reece, who was ultimately pivotal to Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League success as well as their Super Cup and Club World Cup wins the following season.
On 9 August 2023, James took over as Chelsea’s club captain after César Azpiliicueta’s departure. Fans believe Reece James name is already etched in history, and with the hope of the club returning to the top, there is real belief that James will be a major part of that and hence forever hold a legendary status in the club’s history.
manchester united fc v chelsea fc premier league
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Reece James of Chelsea gestures to the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on November 03, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Levi Colwill:
Levi Colwill, similarly to Reece James, is a popular Cobham graduate that fans and people around the club take pride in. He is primarily known for his defensive capabilities as a centre-back. Born on February 26, 2003, in Southampton, England, Colwill joined Chelsea’s academy at under nine level and made his first-team debut for the club in 2022.
Prior to that, he had successful loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton, respectively, where he impressed while conveying such maturity in his composure and leadership on the pitch. Colwill’s performances at these clubs earned him recognition and hence a place in the Chelsea team. As well as being one of the first names on Maresca’s team sheet, Colwill has also been solidifying his place in the England squad as of late.
Colwill, a rising star in English football with a bright future for both club and country, is known best for his strong physical presence, passing ability, and intelligence.
Tyrique George:
Tyrique George is a promising young talent who remains part of Chelsea’s academy. George is an interesting one, as he is the first unestablished academy player that Maresca has trusted with significant first team minutes in the UEFA Conference League this season. Born in London, George has been a part of the Chelsea academy since he was eight years old and shining within the youth sides. This young lad, known for his versatility and technical ability, has undoubtedly progressed through the ranks at Chelsea. With some more European and cup minutes in the pipeline this season, could we see a positive loan move similar to his fellow Englishman Alfie Gilchrist?
Newcomers and Loanees:
The talent still in the Chelsea Academy is endless, with huge opportunities for first-team breakthroughs in the near future. Recently, we’ve seen a number of academy stars such as Kiano Dyer, Josh Acheampong, and Sam Rak-Sakyi in training alongside Tyrique George ahead of this season’s UEFA Conference League games.
As well as this, the Blues still have a couple of academy products on loan, such as the aforementioned Alfie Gilchrist and Bashir Humphries, who are striving in the Championship, as well as Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja at Crystal Palace and Everton, respectively.
Cobham & The Ones That Got Away
Conor Gallagher:
Conor Gallagher is known for his work rate, energy, and versatility. Born in 2000, he developed through Chelsea’s youth system and made his senior debut for the club in 2020. Gallagher gained significant experience during loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, and Crystal Palace, where he showcased his ability to drive forward, break up play, and contribute with goals. As a dynamic and versatile player, he also secured a position in the England national team. Gallagher’s high pressing style and tireless performances made him an integral part of Chelsea’s midfield under various managers.
Due to contract issues and Financial Fair Play restrictions, Chelsea decided to offload him to Atletico Madrid, where he has since been a crucial part of Simeone’s system. For most Chelsea fans, if he returns to the Bridge as an opponent, he will be remembered as the academy star who left with the strongest feelings.
Mason Mount:
Mason Mount is renowned for his technical ability, vision, and work ethic. Born in 1999, he came through Chelsea’s youth academy, making his senior debut in 2019 after a successful loan spell with Frank Lampard’s Derby County. Mount quickly established himself as a key player for both Chelsea and the England national team, known for his ability to create chances, score goals, and dictate the tempo of a game.
His versatility allows him to play in various midfield roles, from an attacking playmaker to a deeper, more defensive position. In 2022, Mount transferred to Manchester United in similar circumstances to Conor Gallagher. Although he is struggling of late, there is still belief amongst the United faithful that there is a player there once fully fit.
Dominic Solanke:
Dominic Solanke is known for his physicality, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. Born in 1997, he began his career at Chelsea, where he progressed through the youth ranks before moving to Liverpool in 2017. This was to the disappointment of many Blues fans, as they could see the potential in the young Englishman.
Solanke struggled for first-team opportunities at Liverpool, leading to a loan move to AFC Bournemouth in 2019, where he later made a permanent switch. At Bournemouth, Solanke became a key player, showcasing his hold-up play and finishing ability. A recent England senior international, Solanke’s potential remains high, and he continues to develop as a prominent figure in Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side. What could’ve been for Dominic Solanke if he stayed at Chelsea?
Jamal Musiala:
Jamal Musiala is a highly talented German footballer known for his dribbling skills, vision, and versatility. Born in Germany to a German mother and a Nigerian father, he initially represented England at youth level before switching to Germany in 2020. For Musiala, it was at the Blues infamous Cobham where he began to excel. Playing alongside current Chelsea player, Levi Colwill, he was highly sought after by everyone involved at the club.
Recently, Musiala spoke about his time at Chelsea and how he was forced to leave and return to his birthplace of Germany due to personal reasons stemming from the impending Brexit. What could have been for one of Europe’s brightest stars if his family weren’t in such a difficult position due to Brexit?
This ultimately led to Musiala beginning his professional career at Bayern Munich, making his debut in 2020 at just 17. Since then, he has become a key player for both Bayern and the German national team. As mentioned before, his ability to play across various attacking positions, combined with his technical ability, makes him one of the brightest young talents in European football.
Declan Rice:
As we know, Declan Rice is regarded as one of the world’s best holding midfielders at the moment. Although Rice finds himself at one of the Blues archrivals, Arsenal, he could’ve potentially made it for the blue side of London.
Rice joined their youth academy at age 7 and spent several years progressing through the ranks. However, he was released at 14, with the club deeming him not quite ready for their senior setup. He soon joined West Ham United, where he would go on to become a key player, earning England caps and eventually a high-profile move to Arsenal in 2023. While Chelsea passed on him, Rice’s career has flourished, and he’s now regarded as one of the top midfielders in Europe. Although his career has panned out in outstanding fashion, what could’ve been for Rice and the West Londoners if he was given the chance to excel in the higher levels of Chelsea’s academy?
Ola Aina:
Ola Aina signed for Chelsea as an under-11 and made his schoolboy debut in 2012.
Ola Aina’s time at Cobham was marked by his early promise, though he struggled to secure a regular spot in the first team. A product of the youth academy, Aina made his senior debut in 2016 under manager Antonio Conte, primarily as a right-back. However, due to stiff competition for places, he spent most of his time on loan at various clubs, including Hull City and Torino, where he showcased his versatility and ability. Aina’s career at the London club ended in 2018 when he permanently moved to Torino, where he continued to develop and enjoy regular playing time.
Since then, he had an expressive spell back in English football with Fulham and now finds himself as a mainstay in a high-flying Nottingham Forest team. If circumstances were different at the Blues, could’ve more opportunities for Aina at Chelsea given him an extra level to his career?
Callum Hudson-Odoi:
Callum Hudson-Odoi is undoubtedly one of Chelsea’s finest products. Hudson-Odoi’s time at Chelsea was marked by both promise and challenges. Emerging as one of the brightest young talents from the Cobham academy, he made an immediate impact with his pace, dribbling ability, and flair on the wing. Despite a promising start, his progress has been hindered by injuries and stiff competition for places in the first team.
As Bayern Munich held a strong interest, Hudson-Odoi showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the 2018-19 season, but did struggle to maintain consistency. As opportunities became more limited for the Englishman, along with an underwhelming loan move in Germany at Bayer Leverkusen, Hudson-Odoi finally left Chelsea for Nottingham Forest in 2023. The talented winger has been in flying form along with Aina in this strong Forest side, and it is safe to say all fans of the club are happy to see that.
The Success of Chelsea’s Academy
In conclusion, the Cobham graduates have consistently proven to be a cornerstone of the club’s success, embodying the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. The academy has produced numerous world-class players who have contributed significantly to both domestic and international triumphs. With a strong emphasis on technical ability, tactical awareness, and professionalism, these graduates not only bolster the first team but also reflect the club’s broader philosophy of developing young talent. As the Blues continue to prioritise youth development, the Cobham Academy stands as a testament to the importance of investing in future stars for sustained success.
About The Author
5eb812dcabe1a4026fa9e3573e3ac6dc?s=150&d=mm&r=g