When Roman Abramovich took over as Chelsea owner back in 2003, the influx of cash saw the club attract some of the finest talents from across the globe. The Blues have been doused in the class of exuberant continental stars, established professionals and iconic veterans over the past decade or so but still, there’s nothing quite like watching an academy product make the transition into the first team.
A young player’s venture into the big-time can be infectious. Supporters are instantly captivated and excited by a new prospect; coaches are uplifted by the endless possibilities for a bright talent and players reinvigorated.
Sadly, Stamford Bridge has not had the pleasure of youthful inspiration of late. Chelsea haven’t had an academy player step up and become a consistent first-team regular since a 17-year-old Englishman made his debut in 1998. He was full of promise and character, had all the necessary attributes and an admirable willingness to learn. His name was John Terry.
It is incredible to think that over the span of Terry’s 17-year career, during which time he’s gone from being an apprentice under Marcel Desailly to establishing himself as the Premier League’s best defender and England captain, the club has failed to introduce another academy product to make a lasting impression.
It’s a cause for concern and one that particularly needs addressing given their current situation. Their recent 4-0 Champions League triumph over minnows Maccabi Tel Aviv notwithstanding, this has been Chelsea’s worst start to a season in nearly 30 years. Some of the big names just aren’t producing the goods and a little young blood in the side would be welcomed.
Even during the doom and gloom of David Moyes’ spell at Manchester United, the clouds would occasionally part and let a little sunshine grace Old Trafford every time Adnan Januzaj did something special. Raheem Sterling was a beacon of hope for the Anfield faithful even as Liverpool finished outside the top six in Brendan Rodgers’ first season while Harry Kane renewed Tottenham’s dreams of a Champions League spot with a prolific campaign last time around.
The most disturbing fact is that Chelsea are certainly lacking their own set of starlets. The club won the FA Youth Cup as well as the UEFA Youth League last season and have a plethora of talent at their disposal. Unfortunately, several of those players have been shipped off on loan for the current campaign – despite Jose Mourinho’s claims that he would look to bed in youth players in his second stint at the club.
BRING BACK BAMFORD
There are a number of players who could claim to deserve a shot at Stamford Bridge but perhaps none more so than 22-year-old Patrick Bamford. After Didier Drogba’s departure at the end of last season, the need for a third striker to cover Diego Costa and Loic Remy was evident. Bamford appeared to be the obvious choice after being named the Championship Player of the Year having scored 19 goals in 43 appearances on loan at Middlesbrough, last season.
However, true to form, Mourinho decided to recruit Radamel Falcao on loan from AS Monaco, despite the Colombian enduring a torrid time at Manchester United last season. After three successful loan spells, Bamford was poised to make the step up. He’s proficient at leading the line on his own as he holds the ball up well, makes intelligent runs in behind and finishes with composure. But he’s now on loan at Crystal Palace.
BROWN’S PACE TO BURN
Isaiah Brown, too, can count himself unlucky not to have earned a chance at Chelsea. While Eden Hazard has been misfiring, a lively customer like Brown would’ve been a great option to introduce off the bench. The lanky teenager has plenty of pace to burn, is a good runner of the ball, strong with both feet and can pick a pass as well. He would even be an option in the hole behind the striker. But he’s now on loan at Vitesse.
BAKER – THE NEXT LAMPARD?
Joining Brown in the Netherlands is Lewis Baker, who has been with Chelsea since he was nine years old and is often likened to Frank Lampard for his runs from midfield and ability in front of goal. While being accomplished technically and a fine distributor, Baker poses a much greater goal threat than the likes of Oscar or Willian in the no. 10 role and would definitely be worth having in the first team squad. He has a great work rate, can use both feet and is a sound professional who is capable, if not outright deserving, of more first team opportunities.
Other outstanding youngsters whom the club have loaned out this season include defender Nathan Ake (Watford), striker Dominic Solanke (Vitesse) and midfielder Jeremie Boga (Stade Rennais).
That’s not to say that Chelsea are left without any youthful exuberance. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has started making inroads in the team, impressed against Maccabi and should be handed more playing time, particularly with the current form of the central midfielders. Even as an option off the bench, he certainly offers more than John Obi Mikel.
Charlie Colkett is renowned for his quick feet, balance and creativity in midfield and can feature behind the main striker as well, while new signing Kenedy from Fluminense has made two appearances for the first team already and the 19-year-old is certainly capable of injecting a bit of pace and urgency into the attack.
The facts show that Chelsea have the best youth set up in the country and it's about time they started putting the talent it’s produced to good use. Mourinho has always bought well and assembled formidable teams but failing to bring through at least two or three youngsters from the exceptional current crop would be downright shambolic.
