In the Champions League this season, Chelsea’s average age of their starting line-ups has been just 24 years and 21 days. This is a Chelsea side with enormous potential, individually and collectively.
While some feel that a bit more experience in the side would be beneficial, given only Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez and Tosin are above the age of 26, it is impressive that Chelsea are proving youthful.
It is incredible to think that Reece James is still only 26. Moises Caicedo is a mere 24, Enzo Fernandez is just 25 and Cole Palmer is still only 23. Chelsea’s leaders are still incredibly young as things stand.
If you could sign one player to add more experience to this Chelsea team, who would you pick?
Chelsea are the youngest team in the Champions League with an average starting XI age of 24 years and 21 days.
– BBC Sport
Team photo of FC Chelsea
Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
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At the other end of the scale, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato are still only 19 and yet, are already key members of the Chelsea defence. Alejandro Garnacho, Andrey Santos and Jamie Gittens are only 21.
Wesley Fofana heaps praise on Estevao, but has a reminder
But there is one youngster that is performing well beyond his years. Bought for an initial £29m from Brazilian side Palmeiras, Estevao remains only 18 and yet continues to shine against older opposition.
He’s had a hand in seven goals this season for Chelsea and already boasts five goals in 11 caps for his country. Speaking to TNT Sports Brasil, Wesley Fofana heaped praise on Estevao but gave a reminder.
Estevao of Chelsea looks on during a Chelsea FC Training Session
Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images
“He’s amazing, he’s amazing. He’s young, we take care of him. Everyone is like a big brother for him. But yeah, he’s amazing. He has a long way to go. He worked very hard, and yeah, you need to stay focused.
“Continue like this. But he’s an amazing player. Everyone see when we watch him play, everyone enjoys. And yeah, he needs to continue like this,” Fofana continued, when discussing Estevao’s development.
What Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has said about Estevao
Estevao continues to prove himself as one of the best players in the world at his age, not just at club level but with his country, too. Indeed, former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has fully integrated Estevao.
John Terry was wowed by Estevao’s display vs Barcelona!
“Wow, what a finish that was! Estevao, what a player you are.”
John Terry
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The winger is widely expected to be a part of Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer. Recently, Ancelotti said: “Estevao has an incredible amount of talent. It’s a surprise this level at his age. He’s good at finishing.
“He has a lot of magic, he works very hard. I can say this: with Estevao, Brazil have a guaranteed future. I think the Brazil national team is really lucky to have him, and also Chelsea,” Ancelotti added, on Estevao.
The task for Chelsea and Liam Rosenior is keeping Estevao’s progression going in the right way and helping the Brazilian turn potential into proven quality. But the signs are positive at such an early stage.
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