The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are always on the hunt for the next young star to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge. Their side’s academy is filled to the brim with incredible talent, but as of late, progress has been very slow indeed.
Fortunately, the tide does appear to be changing.
Thibaut Courtois came into the team a few years ago, and it has been a breakout season for young Andreas Christensen.
It’s clear, then, that there are some incredible players that could be just a few months away from replicating Christensen’s success and making it in the first team.
Despite some success, it’s fair to say that Antonio Conte hasn’t quite delivered the goods in terms of progressing homegrown talent. Even now, with Chelsea fighting for very little in the Premier League, youngsters aren’t getting much of a chance.
However, that will have to change next season, particularly if the Blues don’t impress in the transfer market again. Antonio Conte, then, should look at the youngsters on Chelsea’s books as he looks to fill out the squad.
With that said, these 2 Chelsea youngsters should genuinely be in the first team next season…
Ethan Ampadu
Antonio Conte has given Ethan Ampadu occasional chances this season, but for some reason, he has refused to give him a proper, regular role.
The Welshman has been every bit as good as every other player in the squad when he’s been given a chance for the Blues, and so he clearly deserves a more prominent position.
Able to play in both midfield and defence, the teenager is on the path to greatness, and next season, he simply must play more.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
If Antonio Conte had realised how good Ruben Loftus-Cheek was in the summer, maybe he wouldn’t have wasted so much on Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Two players with similar characteristics, Loftus-Cheek has outshone Bakayoko this season. Unfortunately for Chelsea, though, he has been doing it away from Stamford Bridge.
Next season, he simply must return to the club. On current form, he’d walk into the first team, and given Chelsea’s struggles, that makes the decision to loan him out in the summer all the more baffling.
