THE conveyor belt of talent that’s running through Stamford Bridge has unearthed another gem.
Faustino Anjorin is a classic midfield powerhouse – who grew up idolising current Blues manager Frank Lampard.
Faustino Anjorin could make his debut for Chelsea in the Carabao CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
Anjorin is a classic No 10 in the Eden Hazard mouldCredit: Getty – Contributor
And the attacking midfielder is so highly-rated in West London, he is set to make his debut for the Blues in their Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday night at the tender age of just 17.
Frank Lampard, who has made it his mission to promote the youngsters this term, has faith in the raw talent, as does his assistant Jody Morris – and the pair have been impressed by Anjorin’s rapid rise since they arrived in the summer.
Currently, the youngster is Chelsea’s development group top goalscorer, finding the back of the net in the UEFA Youth League, Premier League 2 and twice in the EFL Trophy win over Swindon last month.
All in all, he has scored five times in just seven games playing in an advanced midfield role.
And his progress within the Blues academy has seen him compared to fellow graduate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who also impressed at youth level.
A NOD TO TINO ASPRILLA
Anjorin was born in Poole to a Nigerian father and a English mum.
Amazingly, he was named after the Colombian legend Faustino Asprilla who famously became the first player to score a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Champions League when he was playing up front for Newcastle.
Born in Poole, Anjorin was named after Faustino AsprillaCredit: Getty – Contributor
By the age of seven Anjorin was scouted by Chelsea and invited to train in their youth set-up before officially joining at the age of nine.
It was a dream come true for the boy, who idolised John Obi Mikel and wanted to play for the same club.
DOWNED ARSENAL
By the age of 16, Anjorin, who stands at an impressive 6ft 1 in, lifted the FA Youth Cup.
Not only was he the youngest player in the Chelsea side that beat Arsenal 7-1, his goal to end the rout was the icing on the cake.
Internationally, Anjorin’s form has been equally as impressive as it has for his club, and the FA have high hopes for him.
He has played for England at every junior level up to the Under-19’s, but without a full cap to his name there could be a tussle with Nigeria for his services in the future.
Goalscoring is in Anjorin’s bloodCredit: Rex Features
ATTRIBUTES
Both-footed, Anjorin has a contract with Chelsea that doesn’t expire until 2021 but the club are already looking to tie him down to a longer deal.
Technically he’s underrated, despite his lanky frame, runs with the ball at pace and is strong in possession.
And he’s got decent vision, often able to pick out the perfect pass for a forward to run on to.
But it is his finishing that helps him stand out from the crowd.
In fact, Jody Morris once revealed he was the “best finisher at the club”.
His father Sheriff told Goal.com his son stood out from an early age – playing against boys aged six when he was just three.
Sheriff said: “He was always the standout player, people knew him before he even knew how to spell his name.
“He is a goalscoring midfielder in the Frank Lampard mould. Lampard was one of his idols, but so were Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane.
“He has a high level of technical ability, great finishing quality and a great passing range.
“We felt that the Chelsea environment was perfect for Tino. It has really stretched him.
“The training has always been harder than the matches, he’s highly competitive and he just wants to get on the pitch and beat his opponent.”
Should Lampard give Anjorin a run-out against Grimsby, you can bet he will be a threat from the off.
Frank Lampard and Jody Morris expect big things from AnjorinCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
