Liam Rosenior has called upon youth once again ahead of the FA Cup’s return, with Chelsea set to face Port Vale in the quarter-finals.
Having previously managed BlueCo’s sister club Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior was viewed as the ideal candidate to integrate the academy’s next generation.
His tenure began with a 5-1 FA Cup victory over Charlton, where 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato scored the first goal of the Rosenior era. Since then, he has handed a senior debut to Jesse Derry and included players like Ryan Kavuma-McQueen in his squad.
However, this commitment to youth has been a double-edged sword. While the Blues have marched into the FA Cup quarter-finals, their lack of know-how was brutally exposed during a recent Champions League exit, highlighting the need for an experienced centre-back in particular.
But, a clash with Port Vale should allow Rosenior to trial a few things.
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Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas
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Teddy Sharman-Lowe spotted in Chelsea training
In Chelsea training images ahead of Port Vale, Sharman-Lowe was spotted alongside Robert Sanchez, sparking speculation that he could make his first appearance.
After an impressive first half of the campaign on loan at Bolton Wanderers, where he recorded six clean sheets in 22 appearances, the 23-year-old goalkeeper was recalled to Stamford Bridge in January.
This move was prompted by a long-term injury to Filip Jorgensen, thrusting Sharman-Lowe into the senior matchday squad as a backup to Robert Sanchez.
Since his return, he has balanced bench duties for Liam Rosenior’s senior side with dominant performances for the Under-21s, most notably recording an assist during a 4-1 win over Birmingham City.
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Chelsea could move to Earl's Court
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Teddy Sharman-Lowe deserves a chance against Port Vale
Teddy Sharman-Lowe presents a third way out of Chelsea’s current goalkeeping crisis. Robert Sanchez’s confidence has visibly cratered following a series of errors, while Filip Jorgensen is sidelined for several weeks following a minor operation on a recurring groin injury.
With the first-team options either mentally fragile or physically unavailable, Sharman-Lowe offers the clean slate Liam Rosenior requires.
Having returned from a productive loan at Bolton with significant match rhythm, he represents a homegrown solution.
In a season where established stars are faltering, Sharman-Lowe’s hunger and consistency for the Under-21s makes him a good option to trial against Port Vale.
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