What would you make of their season overall? Did they surprise a few, or did they hit their realistic targets?
I can’t pretend to have watched Chelsea’s entire season. I give youth competitions a broader focus and check in on every side I can, but I’ve never not been impressed with the Blues whenever I’ve tuned in. Winning the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League absolutely constitutes success.
Dominic Solanke has been on fire for Chelsea this season, earning him that call-up to the senior team. What have you made of the young English striker, and will he get a break into Mourinho’s squad?
Solanke puzzles me. He’s scored tonnes of goals, sure, but he’s got an incomplete grade on my report. The reason? He’s not stressed in the defensive and middle thirds; all he’s asked to do is score. That’s all well and good at youth level, but does he have the all-round game to succeed at pro level? The answer, definitively, is unknown. When you have a midfield this good, when Musonda, Boga, Colkett and RLC dominate and create chances for you, how can you be tested? Solanke has proven himself a good finisher with a nous for space in the box, but he hasn’t been given the chance to showcase a full skill-set. I can’t say he has got “it”, but I also can’t say that he doesn’t.
Izzy Brown is another star from this season. Even though his consistency comes into question at times, do you think he has what it takes to break into the 1st team?
Consistency and aggression are the big things for me with Izzy. I do not believe, given the reasonably timid way in which he plays the game that he can translate to pro level as a central (lone) striker. He’s a second striker just off an obvious target or an inverted wide player, certainly, but he’s not a traditional No. 9. I like him a lot, and he can leave a defender curled in a knot with a shift in balance and nudge of the ball. It’s great to watch.
On a whole, what do you make of the Chelsea youth at the moment?
It’s a remarkable group of players. This two-year set is truly one to behold. I believe there are at least four guaranteed top-level pros in there, and several others who have good chances given a couple of tweaks. Only issue? John Terry is the last youth product to stay in the first team, and the unfortunate shadow of this fact will not be dispelled unless a few of this class make it.
Your favourite player from the games you have seen this season?
I find Musonda the most intriguing, reasons here, but my favourite is probably…Ruben Loftus-Cheek. He’s a bit inconsistent too, but I think it’s because he knows playing at this level is pointless for him. He’s a fantastic midfielder with physical skills that are off the charts. I eagerly await his progression.
Is there any changes you feel need to be made at the youth set-up for Chelsea?
No. There are changes that need to be made higher up, in terms of senior setup and Jose Mourinho’s willingness to trust young players, but nothing that needs to be changed at youth level. The manager Joe Edwards is fantastic, the money is being poured in and the coaching is strong. The success the team have had is a just reward for greater focus by Abramovich; Chelsea are taking great strides forward.
Just give your thoughts on the 2nd leg, who played well?
Musonda was fantastic in a deeper role, one he rarely plays. Clarke-Salter was superb at the back, and his passing is fantastic. Colkett was also very good in my opinion.
Your expectations from the Chelsea Youth in the coming seasons?
Musonda and Boga were the only two non-English players in the second leg vs. City. Many assume Chelsea just import the best youngsters, which sometimes happens, sure, but they’re creating good groups of youth prospects. I think the club will continue to attract the best local talent and forge it into accomplished young footballers.
A massive thank you to Sam Tighe for answering our questions. If you would like to hear more from Sam, you can find him on Twitter @stighefootball. If you would like to hear more from James, you can also find him on Twitter @JamesTCZ.
