Young players get the best education possible at Chelsea, and that has been reflected by the Blues’ incredible success at developmental levels in recent years. However, they often find it tough to take it to the next step.
You could count the number of academy graduates in the Chelsea first team squad on one hand, and that is problematic for the Blues.
There are several reasons for that. Perhaps the most obvious one is the need for constant success. Managers often don’t have the time to develop players and give them a chance because as few as a couple of bad results could put their job under threat.
Another issue is the recruitment of new signings. Often signed for big money, they often serve as a roadblock within the squad for youngsters. That isn’t something that the club are looking to change though, it seems, with Sky Sports reporting that the Blues have an interest in French attacker Anthony Martial.
Martial, as one of Europe’s best young talents, would undoubtedly be a regular in the squad at Chelsea – and he’d likely take precedence over a number of talented young Blues.
With that said, signing Martial would be a big problem for these 2 Chelsea youngsters – agreed?
Callum Hudson-Odoi is the most obvious potential casualty of a deal for Martial.
The Englishman, like Martial, prefers a role on the left, and you would anticipate that Martial would be given preference because of the fact that he would likely cost a sizeable sum.
The simple fact of the matter is that the addition of fresh bodies at the club will just make it tougher for Hudson-Odoi to get a chance. That’s simple maths.
He found it very tough last season when nobody was performing. It will only get more difficult next term if Martial is in the side.
Izzy Brown was in a similar position to Hudson-Odoi a few years ago. He was involved in the squad, a regular during pre-season, and he looked to be a player with bags of potential.
He’s looked good on various recent loans, too, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in a Chelsea shirt once again.
However, the arrival of Martial would make life very tough for him.
At 21-years-old, he’ll need to be playing regularly over the next few months, and Martial would make that task even more difficult.
