Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso said Sydney born 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli is a talent “with qualities you don’t often see from a 16-year-old” as he runs the rule over his first pre-season with the Premier League club.
Alonso, speaking to media in Sydney on Monday ahead of the London club’s clash with Western Sydney at Accor Stadium on Tuesday night, said he only learnt yesterday that the towering talent was born in Australia, but said he is part of an academy cohort he has on tour that has already caught his eye.
“I was informed yesterday that he was born in Sydney, so it was a surprise,” he said.
“But he’s one of those talented players that come from the academy.
“Really impressed with him.
The Sydney Super Cup brings four blockbuster fixtures to Sydney: Chelsea vs Western Sydney Wanderers (28 July), Tottenham Hotspur vs Sydney FC (29 July), and Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea (1 August) and Chelsea FC Women v A-Leagues All Stars Women (12 August)— get your tickets now at sydneysupercup.com.au
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli. Photo: Getty Images
“We saw what he was about, Mahdi he’s a talent that we need to help, we need to develop because there’s special qualities that you don’t see that often from a 16-year-old.
“I don’t know if he has Australian passport, but it will be tough for him to choose in the future.”
The 16-year-old committed to Chelsea earlier this month with his first professional deal, although he can only formally sign the contract when he turns 17.
Despite being born in Australia, he holds a French passport and English citizenship. His mother is Australian. And his father is from the Chad-Sudan border region.
He has been at the club since he was six and such is his trajectory, he is the youngest player to start for Chelsea in the UEFA Youth League. He made his debut against Benfica in September, and scored against Ajax.
Despite being just 16, he has played Under-21s and has also played for England’s Under-17s.
“He has a great dynamism, he has quality.
“A very complete player.
“He can pass short, dribble in the middle, he has made a good impression so far.”
Despite being one of the younger players in the squad, he seemed to be fitting right in during Chelsea’s open training session at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, joking around with the likes of Cole Palmer during a shooting drill.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill added: “An amazing player.
“A really, really bright future.
“We all hope he goes as far as he can.”
After last season’s campaign, where Chelsea finished 10th and missed out on Europe, Colwill added the trip to Sydney is a “blessing in disguise” as the team gets to spend time together under Alonso in his first pre-season.
“It is really positive for us to spend this time together and really connect, be on the pitch every day, work hard, it is a blessing in disguise,” he said.
“It helps us a lot and I feel like we will be ready for the season.” [embedded content]