CHELSEA’S prolific academy might be summed in only one photograph.
Final 12 months, Blues first staff coach Joe Edwards shared an astonishing image from 2008 when 15 kids had simply signed their first schoolboy types with the London membership.
Chelsea coach Joe Edwards, again row, centre, shared an image of his academy facet in 2008 which now accommodates 9 skilled gamersCredit score: Twitter / @JoeEdwards86
Two of these – Marc Guehi and Reece James made their debuts for Chelsea within the Carabao Cup demolition of Grimsby in September 2019, whereas one other was on the bench.
James, after all, is now Chelsea’s first-choice right-back – and tussling with Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold a spot within the England XI.
And the line-up of fresh-faced youngsters additionally boasts gamers at present that includes repeatedly within the Premier League.
Rhian Brewster, backside left, impressed at Anfield earlier than becoming a member of Swansea on mortgage final season after which Sheffield United completely this summer time.
Ian Carlo Poveda, backside proper, made his City debut within the semi-final of the Carabao Cup final season earlier than becoming a member of Leeds.
It exhibits the large power of the academy system at Stamford Bridge which noticed the membership win 5 successive FA Youth Cups between 2014-18.
Final season noticed the breakthrough of Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount into the primary staff frequently.
Abraham is now preventing with Timo Werner and on-fire Olivier Giroud for a spot within the staff, whereas Tomori has fallen out of favour.
However Mount remains to be arguably one of many first names on the teamsheet.
That comes on the again of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek making the step up at Chelsea in latest seasons.
Usually in most age teams, golf equipment are lucky if two or three go from promising eight-year-olds to creating the grade.
So to see 9 come via is a exceptional instance of how the event system expensively arrange by the Blues is reaping rewards.
Chelsea’s Class of 2008 – The place Are They Now?
The Chelsea Academy eight-year-olds in 2008
1: Marc Guehi
Extremely rated defender who made his debut within the 7-1 win over Grimsby.
Born in Ivory Coast, his household moved to London when he was younger and was noticed by England as a schoolboy.
Captained the Younger Lions to the World Below-17 Cup, and signed a brand new three-year deal at Stamford Bridge this summer time.
He’s now on mortgage at Swansea, who’re hoping for promotion from the Championship play-offs.
2: Andrew Demby
Midfielder who was ultimately launched by the Blues however was then snapped up by Crystal Palace.
Spent eight years at Selhurst Park earlier than being launched in June. Now performs for non-league Staines City.
3: Taylor Munroe
Did not make the grade at Chelsea, final identified taking part in for non-league Leatherhead.
4: Tariq Uwakwe
Midfielder who’s an everyday within the growth squad and tipped to be one other who makes the primary staff breakthrough.
Signed a brand new three-year deal in the summertime with the choice of an extra 12 months, can be an England Below-19 worldwide.
On mortgage at Accrington Stanley this season.
5: Jamie Cumming
Was touted as probably making his Prem bow final season however didn’t come to fruition.
On mortgage at Stevenage for the 2020-21 season.
6: Reece James
One other Below-17 World Cup winner, James was despatched out on mortgage to Wigan as an 18-year-old – and was voted the Championship membership’s participant of the season.
Missed the beginning of final season via damage however went on to say himself within the first-team, making 24 appearances in all en path to the Blues finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League.
He’s now undisputed first-choice at Chelsea below Lampard.
Reece James is Chelsea and arguably England’s No1 right-back
Conor Gallagher is getting some PL expertise on mortgage at West Brom
7: Harrison Hume
Launched by the membership and frolicked with Kent non-league sides Margate and Rochester.
8: Conor Gallagher
Central midfielder who was tied right down to a long-term deal by the Blues final 12 months.
Despatched out to spend the season on mortgage with Championship facet Charlton earlier than additionally becoming a member of Swansea on mortgage.
Now on mortgage at West Brom getting some Premier League motion.
9: Jamie Bradley-Inexperienced
Defender who simply didn’t make the minimize at Chelsea after leaving faculty, however went on to signal a scholarship with Southampton.
On the lookout for a membership having been launched by Saints final summer time.
10: Rhian Brewster
Extremely-rated England youth striker who determined to depart Chelsea to hitch Liverpool.
One other U17 World Cup winner, Brewster was tipped for large issues by supervisor Jurgen Klopp.
Went to hitch Prem hopefuls Swansea, scoring 10 objectives in 20 Championship appearances, earlier than shifting completely to Sheff Utd in the summertime.
11: Martell Taylor-Crossdale
England U20 worldwide ahead who rejected the supply of a brand new contract at Chelsea earlier this 12 months amid curiosity from a number of golf equipment.
Travelled to Bundesliga facet Hoffengheim for a medical however finally determined to signal a two-year cope with Fulham.
12: Dujon Sterling
Lengthy considered huge hope at Stamford Bridge, made his first staff debut for Chelsea in 2017.
The defender was a part of England’s Euro Below-19 successful facet in the identical 12 months and spent final season on mortgage at Wigan.
Is tied right down to a contract at Chelsea till 2022.
13: Finlay Savill
Left the membership as a schoolboy. Present whereabouts unknown.
14: Harry Riley
Defender who missed the minimize when he left faculty, final seen within the system at non-league Hendon.
15: Ian Carlo Poveda
Attacking midfielder who additionally frolicked within the academies of Arsenal, Barcelona and Brentford.
Then snapped up by Manchester Metropolis, and made his debut for Pep Guardiola’s facet within the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Burton two seasons in the past.
Joined Leeds in January this 12 months on a four-and-a-half 12 months deal.
Made his debut on June 21 as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 Championship defeat at Cardiff Metropolis.
