Blues fans here in the Tavern are eager for some of their youngsters to get a chance, as some of their more established players just aren’t cutting it.
Antonio Conte is a manager that isn’t too fond of giving youngsters a run in the side. But ever since Charly Musonda spoke out about his lack of first-team football via social media, there seems to be an increased amount of opportunities for youth players in the first-team.
Indeed, over the years Chelsea are one of the sides who haven’t produced a flurry of future stars in comparison to the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United. But in their current ranks, there are a number of players who have the potential to be the next big thing if given the opportunity.
With the title-race now very much out of their hands it relieves a slight bit of pressure off the Blues, due to them now only focusing on the easier task of a Champions League spot.
So, with a busy festive period taking its toll on some of the first-team players, it’s about time that the youngsters were given a chance to show exactly what they’re made of.
However, next up is a trip to the Emirates to face an Arsenal side that’s in the hunt for a Champions League spot themselves, trying to avoid another slip-up after some sloppy festive performances.
Nevertheless, with Arsene Wenger’s men waiting, it always likely to be a huge game. Still, if Antonio Conte gives these TWO youngsters a chance then Chelsea will rip into the Gunners.
Ethan Ampadu
The 17-year-old defender is Chelsea’s brightest prospect, at such a young age already featuring in the Blues first-team.
He’s been plying his trade as a centre-back in a role that he excels at in the Chelsea U23 team, often providing some of the most composed performances that overshadow many of the older players.
After becoming the youngest player in years to feature in a Premier League match for Chelsea, his confidence has gone through the roof with him finding a place on the bench for their Boxing Day win.
His impressive maturity that’s been displayed in his cup and Premier League performances so far means that Antonio Conte must look to trial him against a tougher Arsenal opposition.
Andreas Christensen
The Danish international continues to establish himself as a regular in the first-team, while putting in performances that even overshadow the likes of captain Gary Cahill at times.
Antonio Conte has often altered the way he sets up his back-three with plenty of options at the Italian’s disposal. But having featured 20+ times this season he’ll be hoping to secure a consistent starting-place once again, after missing with illness a couple of games ago.
Therefore, with the tough task of keeping an attack-minded Arsenal side at arms-length, Conte will require the quality that Christensen has shown this season to shine through with an inspired performance from the Dane.
Chelsea fans, thoughts?
