THE future’s bright if you’re a Chelsea fan.
The Blues were enjoying the emergence a number of youth products in their first team earlier this year before coronavirus turned the world upside down.
Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster is wanted by Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Tammy Abraham came of age last season, Reece James showed his mettle, Fikayo Tomori revealed his potential, and Billy Gilmour even had the hard-to-please Roy Keane singing his praises.
And now, there’s another name you can add to the list of youngsters hoping to get their chance under Frank Lampard.
England’s Charlie Webster, 16, is a rising star at Stamford Bridge, and is already wanted by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
That’s why he’s been dubbed the ‘next Jadon Sancho’.
MAKING AN IMPRESSION
Last year, at just 15, Webster had Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wowed by his ability.
The setting was the prestigious KDB Cup – an international U15 tournament named after the Belgium ace – with the midfielder as the guest of honour.
Players from clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG were on show – all desperate to impress.
It was Chelsea that ended up being victorious – beating Racing Genk on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.
Star of the show was Webster, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.
Blues starlet Webster has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’
Webster starred at the KDB Cup in 2019
He was awarded player of the tournament – winning a golden ball, as well as a signed De Bruyne shirt.
One feels it could be the first of many awards headed Webster’s way in the future.
A CULTURED MIDFIELDER
In similar vein to Billy Gilmour, Webster is a cultured midfielder – good on the ball and smart in possession.
However, unlike the Scot who prefers to dictate play from deep – Webster likes to get in the box and score goals.
He started playing football at the Pezzaz Street Soccer academy, which have bases in Wiltshire and Hampshire, before joining Chelsea in 2016 at the age of 12.
Coaches there believe he has a bright future in the game, and in the past Webster has spoken about his football dream.
“Obviously, it’s to play for this brilliant club,” he told a reporter at the KDB Cup after starring for the Blues.
Webster is a cultured midfielder, good on the ball and in possession
In the past Webster has said it was his dream to play for “brilliant” ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Webster’s qualities have seen him earmarked as a leader.
Last year, he captained England’s U16 team in a match against Republic of Ireland – scoring his first international goal.
He’s also played for the Three Lions’ U17s – coming off the bench in a 4-1 rout over the USA back in February.
And that was the same month Webster made his U18 Premier League debut for Chelsea against Southampton.
With Lampard giving the kids a go and with fixtures coming thick and fast this year, it might not be long before Webster gets the opportunity to impress at first team level.
Webster has captained England at U16 level
Webster might get his opportunity in the Chelsea first team under boss Frank Lampard
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has four major issues over Premier League returning to action including neutral venues
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
