CHELSEA’S prolific academy system has been evident in one photo of a group of 15 kids which has seen NINE go on to become professionals all tipped for stardom.
The astonishing picture shared by Blues first team coach Joe Edwards was taken in 2008 when the youngsters had just signed their first schoolboy forms with the London club.
Chelsea coach Joe Edwards, back row, centre, shared a picture of his academy side in 2008 which now contains nine professional playersCredit: Twitter / @JoeEdwards86
Two of those – Marc Guehi and Reece James made their debuts for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup demolition of Grimsby in September, while another was on the bench.
And the line-up of fresh-faced kids also boasts players expected to achieve big things at Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
Rhian Brewster, bottom left, impressed at Anfield before joining Swansea on loan, while Ian Carlo Poveda, bottom right, made his City debut in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup last season before joining Leeds.
It shows the huge strength of the academy system at Stamford Bridge which saw the club win five successive FA Youth Cups between 2014-18.
This season has already heralded the breakthrough of Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount into the first team on a regular basis.
That comes on the back of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek making the step up at Chelsea last year.
Generally in most age groups, clubs are fortunate if two or three go from promising eight-year-olds to making the grade.
So to see nine come through is a remarkable example of how the development system expensively set up by the Blues is reaping rewards.
Chelsea’s Class of 2008 – Where Are They Now?
The Chelsea Academy eight-year-olds in 2008
1: Marc Guehi
Highly rated defender who made his debut in the 7-1 win over Grimsby.
Born in Ivory Coast, his family moved to London when he was young and was spotted by England as a schoolboy.
Captained the Young Lions to the World Under-17 Cup, and signed a new three-year deal at Stamford Bridge this summer.
He is now on loan at Swansea, who are hoping for promotion from the Championship play-offs.
2: Andrew Demby
Midfielder who was eventually released by the Blues but was then snapped up by Crystal Palace.
Spent eight years at Selhurst Park before being released in June. Now plays for non-league Staines Town.
3: Taylor Munroe
Didn’t make the grade at Chelsea, last known playing for non-league Leatherhead.
4: Tariq Uwakwe
Midfielder who is a regular in the development squad and tipped to be another who makes the first team breakthrough.
Signed a new three-year deal in the summer with the option of a further 12 months, is also an England under-19 international.
Scored one goal in 11 PL2 appearances this season.
5: Jamie Cumming
Was touted as potentially making his Prem bow this season but did not come to fruition.
Is still signed with the club until the end of next season.
6: Reece James
Another Under-17 World Cup winner, James was sent out on loan to Wigan last season as an 18-year-old – and was voted the Championship club’s player of the season.
Missed the start of the season through injury but went on to assert himself in the first-team, making 24 appearances in all en route to the Blues finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League.
Marc Guehi was one of the young starlets pictured signing schoolboy forms for ChelseaCredit: Rex Features
Reece James has impressed since breaking into the Chelsea senior sideCredit: PA:Press Association
7: Harrison Hume
Released by the club and spent time with Kent non-league sides Margate and Rochester.
8: Conor Gallagher
Central midfielder who was tied down to a long-term deal by the Blues last year.
Sent out to spend the season on loan with Championship side Charlton before also joining Swansea on loan.
9: Jamie Bradley-Green
Defender who just failed to make the cut at Chelsea after leaving school, but went on to sign a scholarship with Southampton.
Looking for a club having been released by Saints last summer.
10: Rhian Brewster
Highly-rated England youth striker who decided to leave Chelsea to join Liverpool.
Another U17 World Cup winner, already appearing for the first team at Anfield and tipped for big things by manager Jurgen Klopp.
Went to join Prem hopefuls Swansea, scoring 10 goals in 20 Championship appearances.
Rhian Brewster chose to sign for Liverpool instead of ChelseaCredit: Rex Features
11: Martell Taylor-Crossdale
England U20 international forward who rejected the offer of a new contract at Chelsea earlier this year amid interest from several clubs.
Travelled to Bundesliga side Hoffengheim for a medical but ultimately decided to sign a two-year deal with Fulham.
12: Dujon Sterling
Long regarded as big hope at Stamford Bridge, made his first team debut for Chelsea in 2017.
The defender was part of England’s Euro Under-19 winning side in the same year and spent last season on loan at Wigan.
Is tied down to a contract at Chelsea until 2022.
13: Finlay Savill
Left the club as a schoolboy. Current whereabouts unknown.
14: Harry Riley
Defender who missed the cut when he left school, last seen in the system at non-league Hendon.
15: Ian Carlo Poveda
Attacking midfielder who also spent time in the academies of Arsenal, Barcelona and Brentford.
Then snapped up by Manchester City, and made his debut for Pep Guardiola’s side in the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Burton two seasons ago.
Joined Leeds in January this year on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Made his debut on June 21 as a second-half substitute in a 2–0 Championship defeat at Cardiff City.
Ian Carlo Poveda has already made his first team debut at Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
Tammy Abraham and Reece James both get nutmegged in Chelsea training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
