It was a proud day for Chelsea’s academy yesterday as several of their youngsters represented the senior team.
Chelsea secured a 3-1 away win over Astana on Thursday in the Conference League group stages.
In freezing cold conditions, a much-changed Blues side did a professional job to keep up the club’s positive momentum. Marc Guiu scored two goals, while Renato Veiga also netted.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca included the young trio of Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong in the starting line-up. In addition, he handed out first-team debuts to Ato Ampah, Shim Mheuka and Kiano Dyer with substitute appearances.
For Rak-Sakyi, he made his third senior appearance for the Blues away at Astana. It was actually the 19-year-old midfielder’s first start, though.
Chelsea’s Rak-Sakyi completed 87/88 of his passes versus Astana to cap a really composed performance from him in the centre of the park.
Tosin Adarabioyo of Chelsea applauds the fans with teammates after the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Astana and ...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Sam Rak-Sakyi hails Tosin Adarabioyo influence
Rak-Sakyi shared in a post-match interview that Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, 27, has been a big help inside the senior dressing room.
“All the players have really been helpful and Tosin is a real leader in the changing room. He, in particular, has helped me,” Rak-Sakyi said via Chelsea’s official YouTube channel.
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The Chelsea squad is already extremely young before you start adding in rising stars from the academy. Thankfully, there’s a few senior faces with experience to help others.
Tosin, who the Blues signed on a free transfer in the summer, appears to be emerging as a genuine leader.
The central defender isn’t in the best starting line-up right now, but he’s still played 12 games across all competitions so far this season. It sounds like he plays quite a major role off the pitch, too.
Maresca previously described Tosin one of the “leaders” at Chelsea because he’s made a really positive impact since his summer arrival.
Enzo Fernandez thriving as captain
In terms of leadership, Chelsea do need a few more individuals to come to the fore and help this young group.
In fairness, Enzo Fernandez has looked every bit a leader in the last few matches, wearing the armband during the injury absence of club captain Reece James.
Troy Deeney claims Chelsea’s Fernandez is doing the ugly stuff on the pitch with his quality midfield performances.
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