Chelsea Not Utilizing Their Young Talent?

In the last few years, Chelsea F.C. Reserves (U-21 Team) and Chelsea F.C. Academy (U-18 Team) have won quite a few trophies at their respective playing levels. The U-21 team  won the Barclays U-21 League in 2014. The Academy’s record has been even more impressive with a win in the UEFA Youth League in 2015, along with Four Winners and a Runners-up medals in the FA Youth Cup in the last Five years.

It goes to show that the reigning Premier League Champions have some fantastic youth players in their team. Yet, when we take a look at the main team, John Terry was the last academy product to break into the first team and cement his place.

In the past, some of the finest players of the Blues have come through the ranks of the academy and cemented their legacy as Chelsea greats. These names include Bobby Tambling, Jimmy Greaves, Peter Osgood and most recently, John Terry. However, he was the last true academy player to make his position firm in the main team. What happened to the rest of them?

There are talented players that have risen through Chelsea’s ranks. Ryan Bertrand, Lucas Paizon, Kurt Zumora, Nathan Ake are a few instances in the recent few years. But the question is, why are the youth players not getting a chance? It is understandable that in the first couple of seasons, a player may not always be successful in breaking in. However, 4 seasons and still on the fringe, at the age of 25, it’s time to pursue your career elsewhere. An example of that has been Ryan Bertrand who just made 56 appearances over 4 seasons.

Chelsea is an aggressive team when it comes to buying talent to pursue trophies. What they want is young and proven talent. They are not really patient in waiting for managers or players to develop. You have to perform or you are out. That explains why they buy young and talented players but hardly give them a chance to shine. Jose has promised though,that he will give the youth players a chance but with limited time to convince him that they deserve a spot on the main roster.

Two upcoming academy players, Ruben Loftus Cheek and Dominic Solanke were given that chance in the Blue’s pre-season tour. Maybe Chelsea will really need an overall change in the way they select from the young lot and bring them into the team. As of now, Chelsea recruits talent from across the planet, develops them in their youth and then sells them for a profit.

What Chelsea should realize is that any player (youth or purchased) represents a gamble. They may or may not fit in the team. on the contrary, what advantage a youth player offers is that he can come much cheaper than any other professional and is more likely to fit into the team, as they would be drilled in that club’s policy. Their policy of sending youth to gain experience with loan spells is more likely to drive the talent away.

What has changed this time, Jose has taken an active interest in the Youth Squad Development. Will they have youth players getting more time in the squad? We will have to wait and see.

Edited By : Akanksha Agarwal