WE are experiencing something special at Chelsea Football Club right now.
There is a golden generation of talent coming through the ranks – and finally we have a manager who has the audacity to give them chances to play.
Frank Lampard has been praised for introducing the youngsters to the first-teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
Frank Lampard was under a transfer ban and was unable to sign players in the summer.
But even if he was able to sign players, he would still be giving opportunities to some of the young players who he feels are good enough and it’s fantastic to see.
It is something that Chelsea supporters have been wanting for many years.
September’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup was just a taste of things to come.
Looking through the academy and being a regular viewer of youth football at Chelsea, there are five players currently in the academy who I believe will be playing regular first team football at the club in two years time.
TARIQ LAMPTEY
My wildcard here is England Under-19 international right back or right winger, Tariq Lamptey.
This kid is super rapid, and not just headless.
He carries the ball so fast, but his close control is good, and will get even better. He can play as a right back or a right winger so his ceiling is high.
He also has a decent cross on him, and has a match engine similar to N’Golo Kante.
His route into the first team might be easier than it seems.
Tariq Lamptey has been tipped to become a key player in Chelsea’s first teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
Cesar Azpilicueta I believe will be backing up Reece James very soon, so he might ask to end his career in his native Spain.
So then Lamptey comes in to backup James after a year out on loan, and his versatility could also prove vital being an option for the wings as well.
Chelsea need quality depth, so even if they sign players as well, I still believe a number of these academy players will be in the squad as well.
BILLY GILMOUR
The 18-year old Scotland Under-21 international should already be playing senior football for his country, without a doubt.
Within two years he will be a regular for Chelsea and will already be in double figures for senior Scotland caps.
His route into the first-team will initially be as a backup to Jorginho – who is the best available option at the club.
Then he will show enough to be a regular in the starting XI within no time.
I don’t even think he goes out on loan – he’s good enough to play for Chelsea now.
The way he played against Grimsby was not surprising, orchestrating every single Chelsea move, pointing to where the next pass needed to go, comfortably receiving passes in tight areas, so calm and composed.
It was very much like watching Cesc Fabregas or Jorginho.
Billy Gilmour in action during the 7-1 win over Grimsby TownCredit: Rex Features
MARC GUEHI
One of those players whom you would like to see proof of age for.
The way he plays, the calmness, the maturity, his physical build – it’s hard to believe that he is just 19-years-old, especially if you put him next to the baby-faced Billy Gilmour.
But Guehi has everything that a modern day centre back needs and he will be a regular for Chelsea within no time.
I believe he will spend a season on loan, possibly as soon as January, but he will come back as a complete player and ready to slot in.
Marc Guehi has been with Chelsea since 2007Credit: Rex Features
IAN MAATSEN
Ashley Cole, is that you?
Obviously it’s not always wise to put quality players as a comparison to some of these youngsters, but Maatsen is the exception to that rule.
The 17-year old Holland Under-17 international once again, has all that a modern day full back needs.
He is fast, skilful, direct, good in recovery, and can defend as well as attack.
His route in is simple for me, yes he might only be 17, but he is already good enough to backup Emerson at left-back and replace Marcos Alonso who is likely to leave.
After that, he will be seriously challenging Emerson within two years.
Ian Maatsen joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven last yearCredit: Rex Features
FAUSTINO ANJORIN
Anjorin is another player you find it hard to not compare with other quality players.
This time, Anjorin has a hint of Ruben Loftus-Cheek about his game.
But the fact is that he is even more developed physically than Ruben was at his age, which is quite scary.
The England Under-18 international is full of swagger and zest, and has the ability to carry the ball and beat five players in any one dribble.
He is strong, skilful, and has a real eye for goal.
One of the more creative players in the youth setup, Anjorin will provide assists as well as goals and has a super mature head on his shoulders.
So what is his route in to the first team? He will go on loan in the summer, and then he will replace Ross Barkley in two years time, is my belief.
Faustino Anjorin is viewed as one of the club’s brightest academy prospectsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Frank Lampard’s brilliant reaction finding out Chelsea had drawn Manchester United in the Carabao Cup fourth round
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
