Chelsea might have uncovered a player ready to step up and play for Enzo Maresca in Liam Delap’s injury absence.
Chelsea signed Delap during the summer transfer window for £30million, in the hope that the former Ipswich Town striker would be able to solve their striking issue.
Unfortunately for Maresca, Delap suffered a hamstring injury early in the season, leaving the Blues shorthanded up front.
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Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu from his Sunderland loan to provide more options for the Blues, but one academy star is quickly proving that they could be the solution to this problem.
Liam Delap making his debut for Chelsea during the FIFA Club World Cup clash against Los Angeles.
Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Shim Mheuka is ready to step up to Chelsea’s first team this season
Even though Maresca recalled Guiu, he preferred academy star Tyrique George as the man to lead the line when Joao Pedro was unavailable or needed a rest.
The England youngster has done his best with the minutes handed to him, but Chelsea fans have criticised George at times, despite his impressive finishing.
That is why Maresca needs to go even deeper into the academy to give Shim Mheuka an opportunity, as the 17-year-old is currently thriving for club and country.
Mheuka has scored 10 goals and provided one assist in 10 games for Chelsea’s Under 21s team, showing that he knows where the back of the net is.
That level of natural finishing is exactly what Maresca needs in his team right now, and while he doesn’t have the experience, Mheuka certainly has the talent.
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Maresca did give the teenager a cameo outing against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup, but the youngster is ready for more opportunities.
The Chelsea boss has proven he’s not scared of giving younger players opportunities this season with Estevao Willian becoming a regular in the first team, and Mheuka might have the same impact if given the chance.
Shim Mheuka has already been winning individual awards at Chelsea
After being named the captain of Chelsea’s Under-21s team this season, Mheuka has taken on the responsibility and led with pride and quality.
The striker was named the Player of the Month in the Premier League 2 after his impressive start to the season, with all signs pointing toward him needing more opportunities.
He is thriving not just for Chelsea, either. Mheuka is making his mark on the international stage as well, proving that he has the quality to perform at that level.
Mheuka has started all four of England Under-19s friendlies this season and has scored six goals, continuing his emphatic start to the season with the Three Lions.