Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso has already handed out a number of first team debuts during his brief time in charge of Chelsea, and another teenager is pushing for his first appearance for the club.
Reggie Watson was handed a start in the EFL Cup against Leeds United as a result of the club’s ongoing midfield injury woes. Moises Caicedo is yet to feature this season.
The Ecuador international’s absence continued into their recent defeat against Brentford, where fellow midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli was given his debut in nightmare circumstances.
Alonso looked to the academy and handed out plenty of opportunities during the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, with one of the benefactors being Tayo Subuloye.
The defender played 270 minutes during the tour, and now as per BBC Sport he is ‘knocking on the door’ of the first team squad.
Interestingly, the report goes on to say that Subuloye was actually a midfielder when he joined up with the Chelsea academy, however over time has been converted to a centre-back.
Any young defender at the club will surely fancy their chances of making an impression on the first team given their woeful start to the season at the back.
No Premier League side have conceded more goals than Chelsea this season, and Alonso will be busy working throughout the international break to try and make some progress at the back.
It remains to be seen if the answer comes from within in the form of a new player, but Subuloye looks best placed to take that mantle if that decision is made.
The Blues will have no issues when it comes to aerial dominance if the youngster is brought in. He stands at 6ft 5in at the age of just 18.
They have conceded plenty of goals from set-pieces so far this season, another area the youngster would be a major benefit for Chelsea.