Liam Rosenior has a pretty stacked squad at his disposal at Chelsea, which is making giving academy youngsters a chance difficult at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea has produced some big talents over the years out of Cobham.
John Terry and Reece James are just two of the biggest names, showcasing the incredible youth setup that Chelsea has managed to build.
However, with Chelsea having spent over £3.6 billion in the transfer market, it’s hurting the first-team development of these promising young talents.
Reggie Walsh, Shim Mheuka, and Jesse Derry have been involved with the first team recently, but it’s very sporadic, with no clear way of securing regular minutes.
Is Reece James up there with Chelsea’s best-ever captains? 🫨
Sonny Bill Williams is a fan 👏
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Shim Mheuka scores his third hat-trick of the season
Shim Mheuka is a player that Chelsea fans are extremely excited by.
The 18-year-old has completely lit up the academy, scoring an incredible 16 goals in 16 games this season, which includes three hat-tricks.
His most recent came on January 10th against Reading Under-21s. This has taken him to five goals and an assist in his last two games in the Premier League 2.
He was given his chance in the Carabao Cup against Lincoln City, but nothing much has come after that, despite his 20-minute cameo.
Chelsea currently have the likes of Marc Guiu, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro, who can all operate in the number nine role, so his pathway is currently blocked.
However, he needs to taste more senior football.
What should Liam Rosenior do with Shim Mheuka?🤔
He's too good to be in the academy!
Shim Mheuka stats this season
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Shim Mheuka’s incredible 2025
Last season, the striker was handed limited minutes, but did manage a start in the UEFA Conference League knockout stages.
However, Mheuka nearly broke a Premier League record by going close to finding the back of the net with his first touch of the ball after coming on as a sub.
Matters are going to become more complicated this summer, too, with Emanuel Emegha set to make his way to Stamford Bridge.
With minutes so important for development at a young age, it would come as no surprise if the youngster gets sent out on loan in the summer.
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