Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
There have been plenty of positives and negatives to Xabi Alonso’s first couple of months as Chelsea manager. One major positive has been the faith in youth shown by the manager.
In pre-season, Alonso got to take a look at plenty of his young talents. Landon Emenalo, Tayo Subuloye, Reggie Watson, Reggie Walsh, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and so many other youngsters featured.
But that has also transferred to competitive fixtures. Alonso has handed out debuts to 16-year-old duo Watson and Nicoll-Jazuli, the latter coming on for Chelsea in the latter stages of the loss at Brentford.
Alonso was impressed with Nicoll-Jazuli, with the midfield duo showing the rest of the Chelsea academy that it is possible. So, who could become the third Chelsea debutant, excluding those out on loan.
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The five Chelsea talents who could follow Watson and MNJ
Tayo Subuloye (18)
Most Chelsea fans will know about Subuloye now. The centre-back, who featured on Chelsea’s tour of Asia and Australia both at right-back and in the middle of the defence, has really caught the eye.
Composed in possession but quick at the back too, Subuloye has all the traits Alonso looks for in a defender. Don’t be surprised to see him make a breakthrough, having proven himself in front of Alonso.
Leo Black (20)
Black only joined Chelsea in the summer from Tottenham, but the right-back has made a really solid start to life in West London. He has played in three of Chelsea’s four Premier League 2 fixtures so far.
The 20-year-old has won all three games he’s played in, scoring goals in the wins over Arsenal and then Fulham on Saturday. Black is now at an age where he needs to play senior football, so he could get a go.
Harrison Bettoni (19)
There is real excitement about summer signing Harrison Bettoni. Bought from Wigan after he played 27 times for the Latics at senior level last season, Bettoni has hit the ground running in the blue of Chelsea.
He’s started all six of Chelsea’s six U21 outings so far, and scored four goals. This is player that can play out wide, as a 10 or even deeper in midfield. Proven at the senior level, he’s got a real chance of a debut.
Chizaram Ezenwata (18)
Still young at 18, Ezenwata has emerged as Chelsea’s starting striker after Shim Mheuka left the club to join Celtic on loan for the season. He’s made the position his own after scoring three goals this term.
Not only that, but he also laid on two assists on Saturday in the 3-1 win over Fulham. The London-born talent, who also played in Tottenham and Charlton’s academies, has won his first England U19 call up.
Heze Grimwade (16)
Given his age, Grimwade is considered one of the most-exciting attacking talents in Chelsea’s academy. After six goals and assists in three Premier League U18 games, Grimwade made his U21 debut last week.
It was only a brief substitute outing against Wycombe’s senior side in the EFL Trophy, but it is more proof that Grimwade is catching the eye. It won’t be long before he is a regular in Hudson’s second string.
Notable omissions
Calvin Diakite got the nod for England’s U18 side during this break, which is a surprise given Subuloye’s form and even captaining the 21’s. Diakite has had to make way for Subuloye in the starting line-up.
But, Diakite – still only 17 – has impressed and went on tour. Sol Gordon has remained at Chelsea after interest in the summer and started well, the winger laying on a goal and an assist in Chelsea’s six games.
Alfie Osborne has joined from Hearts and looks impressive in defence, while fellow Scot Harry McMahon has done well in midfield. Hudson has plenty of talent and is sure to be feeding information to Alonso.