There appears to be a constant production of exciting youngsters coming through at Chelsea, and that is no different with the current Under-21s team.
The Chelsea academy is currently home to some of the most talented footballers in the country.
Last season, Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George were promoted from the U21s to the first-team squad. Will anyone be able to follow in their footsteps this term?
11 Chelsea youngsters made senior debuts in 2024, including Acheampong and George, but there are more rising stars to watch out for from that list.
England forward Shumaira Mheuka arrives before facing Germany at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
Photo by Harry Murphy – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Shumaira Mheuka and Jesse Derry shine for England Under-19s
On Tuesday, England thrashed Wales 7-0 during an international friendly at U19s level.
Will Antwi’s Young Lions recorded the impressive victory, which included seven different goalscorers.
England’s goalscorers vs Wales: Divine Mukasa, Trey Nyoni, Jesse Derry, Max Dowman, Mikey Moore, Shumaira Mheuka, Chris Rigg
From a Chelsea perspective, Blues prospects Jesse Derry and Shumaira Mheuka were both on the scoresheet for their country.
Derry, who’s highly rated by supporters, joined Chelsea in the summer from Crystal Palace. The 18-year-old winger has immediately impressed for the Blues U21s since arriving, becoming a regular in the side.
As for Mheuka, 17, he’s been a goal machine this season, scoring 10 goals in nine appearances for Chelsea’s U21s. It’s great to see him replicate that on the international stage, too.
Jesse Derry warms up for England ahead of the game against Germany in the European Under-19 Championship.
Photo by Vasile Mihai-Antonio – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Shumaira Mheuka should get more first-team minutes
We would love to see Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca give Mheuka some more senior action after using him off the bench against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup this campaign.
The teenage centre-forward clearly has real quality and composure in front of goal. With Liam Delap out injured, it feels like an ideal opportunity to look at Mheuka in the domestic cup competitions.
Chelsea staff are excited by Mheuka’s potential, so now could be the time to unleash him a bit more.