There will be confidence in the academy that their opportunities for first team action could be about to improve upon the hiring of a new manager at Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior has already worked with the youngest squad in Europe during his time as Strasbourg manager, and will be well aware of the impressive work that is being done at Cobham.
This will perhaps be enhanced even further by the fact that former U21s manager Calum McFarlane has been hired to be part of the coaching staff under the new boss.
Antonio Conte loves the new Chelsea owners 😬
Do they come anywhere near close to Roman Abramovich?
Antonio Conte on Chelsea
Photo by SSC NAPOLI/SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli has already been training with the squad since Rosenior took over, while other members of the youth squad have been showing their class all season.
Atalanta BC v Chelsea FC - UEFA Youth League 2025/26 League Phase MD6
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jesse Derry produces insane skill for Chelsea U21s
One of those is Jesse Derry. The winger has 14 goal involvements in 20 games after joining the club in the summer.
He continued this strong form in the 2-1 win over Leicester on Tuesday. Derry picked up an assist for fellow promising youngster Harrison Murray-Campbell.
Following that, as shown on the Chelsea website, he controlled a crossfield pass with a brilliant touch on his heel, in a style previously seen by the likes of Eden Hazard and Neymar.
Derry has already trained under Rosenior, and will certainly be in the manager’s thinking when it comes to handing youngsters opportunities.
Finish our Predicted XI!
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Chelsea have already risked Derry relationship
Despite the former Crystal Palace youngster’s promising talent, there could already be fears sinking in that they have angered him in 2026.
Derry was a notable fan of Enzo Maresca and his policy of using youngsters that was most seen during Conference League games.
Those opportunities have been harder to come by this season as a result of the club’s Champions League participation, although Reggie Walsh has still made an appearance in the competition.
It may not be until next season, but there is huge potential for Derry to realise when he is given a chance at Stamford Bridge.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox