Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has shown a willingness to promote youngsters into his first-team squad, but there are still some more exciting talents waiting for a senior debut.
The Blues Under-21s side, managed by Calum McFarlane, looks particularly strong right now.
Like always, the Chelsea academy is home to some fantastic young players lighting up the Premier League 2 division.
Blues striker Shumaira Mheuka, 17, has been on fire for Chelsea’s U21s, so it was great to see him feature in the first team during the Carabao Cup victory against Lincoln City in September. In addition, 16-year-old midfielder Reggie Walsh also came off the bench in the same cup tie.
Dujuan Richards shooting for Jamaica against Trinidad and Tobago.
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
Dujuan Richards scores in World Cup qualifying win
Dujuan Richards, 19, is one Chelsea talent still waiting to make his first-team debut for them.
Even so, the teenage attacker does represent Jamaica at senior level. He’s earned his 11th and 12th caps for them during October’s international break, too.
Jamaica secured an important 4-0 victory against Bermuda this week in their World Cup qualifying match. Therefore, the Reggae Boyz, managed by Steve McClaren, are still in the hunt to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea prospect Richards made a super impressive impact off the bench, scoring with a right-footed shot in the penalty box.
Richards described it as a dream to join Chelsea a couple of years ago, but his progress was halted by a long-term ACL injury.
It’s great to see the skilful winger back playing this campaign. So far this season, he’s scored two goals in six appearances for the Blues U21s in the Premier League 2.
Although we’re yet to see the teenager make his first-team debut in Chelsea colours, it could be a matter of time if he keeps developing and impressing.
Dujuan Richards in a Chelsea training session at Cobham.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Dujuan Richards shines for Jamaica vs Bermuda
We’ve taken a look at the individual stats from the impressive cameo by Richards in Jamaica’s win over Bermuda via FOTMOB:
Minutes played – 28
Goals – 1
Assists – 0
Total shots – 3
Chances created – 2
Accurate passes – 17/19 (89%)
Touches – 35
Touches in opposition box – 6
Successful dribbles – 1/2 (50%)
Accurate crosses – 1/6 (17%)
Was fouled – 1
Match rating – 7.9
Back in 2024, Richards trained with Chelsea’s first team under Mauricio Pochettino before his injury setback. Hopefully, he can now kick on and force his way into Maresca’s plans.