Chelsea email

CHELSEA have completed the signing of Derby left-back Dylan Williams for an undisclosed fee.The Blues have added the 18-year-old wonderkid to a depleted squad, with the belief he can add cover in the wing-back spot for long-term absentee Ben Chilwell.
Dylan Williams has completed his move to Chelsea from Derby CountyCredit: Instagram @dylanrwilliams_
Exciting full-back Williams has a burst of pace and loves to get forwardCredit: Rex
It is a move that completes a remarkable rise for the teenager, who only made his debut for the Rams in 2021 aged 16 in a FA Cup tie against Chorley.
Since then, he has appeared in Wayne Rooney’s first team and earned rave reviews.
It was with Rooney’s blessing that Williams signed a deal with the West London giants, who couldn’t stand in the way of the youngster’s Premier League dream.
But his story didn’t begin Derby… it started initially in the Black Country.
Youth career
Explosive defender Williams was on the books at Wolves and developed at their academy, before moving to Derby in 2020.
In his first year at Moor Farm the teenager turned heads for his pace and versatility.
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

He linked up with the U18 side, starring in wins over Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Blackburn.
Within months, he was promoted to the U23’s where he continued to develop and became a regular.
Williams particularly impressed in matches against Premier League 2 academy teams Leicester City and Manchester United, which made Rooney sit up and take note.
A first team debut was imminent.
Cup debut
When Derby County’s squad was decimated by a coronavirus outbreak last season, fourteen players from the club’s academy were forced to make their debut against Chorley in the FA Cup third round.
It was no surprise the game ended in a defeat for the inexperienced Championship side, losing 2-0 to the minnows.
But, it did give Williams blooding into the first team.
And he was one of the few that did impress, not giving up until the final whistle after being thrown in at the deep end.
Aged just 16 Williams made his debut for the Rams against Chorley in the FA CupCredit: Rex
Williams continued to impress in the first team and made nine appearancesCredit: Getty
He made his second appearance in the Carabao Cup tie against Salford City that Derby won 5-3 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Fans were certainly impressed by his performance, commenting on social media how he had grown into the game and wasn’t scared of bombing forward.
Williams went on to appear a further seven times in the first team.
‘My decision’
At a press conference before the Rams faced off against Nottingham Forest, Derby boss Rooney addressed the speculation about the future of Williams.
The England legend admitted the club were in talks with a Premier League giant who wanted to buy him.
Rooney revealed he spoke with Williams and made the decision for the club to allow his talent to pursue a dream opportunity.
“We have agreed a fee with a Premier League club, still getting finalised as we speak, for Dylan Williams,” Rooney said.
“It is one where I felt I couldn’t deny him the opportunity, so that is my decision, not an administrator’s decision.
“It was my decision after speaking to the player, I felt I couldn’t deny a young lad an opportunity of going to play in the Premier League.
“I actually don’t know what the fee is, that has been agreed between the other club and the administrators.
“I took control of it and said I wanted to speak to the player and see what his feelings are, and it is a massive opportunity for the player, which I understand.
“Hence the fact I was happy for him to leave the club for a new venture somewhere else.”
Williams is now expected to link up with Chelsea’s academy teams, where he will familiarise himself with the superb Cobham facilities.
Wayne Rooney revealed he couldn’t deny Williams a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
Williams is expected to be blooded into Chelsea’s academy teamsCredit: Instagram @dylanrwilliams_
And he took to social media to document his next chapter.
“Wow. I am absolutely delighted to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Thank you so much for everything the staff and players have done at Derby County. I cannot wait to get started at Chelsea.” More

IT was a performance that belied his tender years.Lewis Hall, just 17, rightly earned the plaudits from fans, pundits and his manager for an impressive performance against Chesterfield in the FA Cup third round.
Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall was star of the show in the Blues 5-1 win over ChesterfieldCredit: Getty
Hall delivered an assist on his first team debut for the BluesCredit: Getty
Playing out of position, the talented teenager was man-of-the-match in a swashbuckling display on the left side of defence.
He made history by becoming the club’s youngest player to start an FA Cup game at the age of just 17 years and 122 days against Chesterfield
He capped off a wonderful performance with an assist for Romelu Lukaku in the 5-1 win, and had boss Thomas Tuchel purring about him, although the German manager did offer some perspective.
Tuchel said: “There’s no need to talk it down (Hall’s performance vs Chesterfield) but no need to get overwhelmed, because we played against a fifth division team.
“The young boys have to step up and show what they’re capable of, and they did it again.”
Blue is all he’s known
Like many that come through the academy at Cobham, Slough-born Hall has been with the club since playing with the U8’s.
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
Over time, he has steadily risen through the ranks to shine for the U18’s, as well as the U23 side.
Hall, who primarily operates at left-back or in central midfield at youth level, has particularly impressed during this campaign.
At U18 level, he’s his team’s definitive playmaker – registering three goals and four assists in just six games.
That prompted his coaches to promote him to U23 football, and he has shown he hasn’t been overawed playing at a higher age group scoring twice in seven games for the Premier League 2 side.
The experience gave Hall the perfect platform to succeed in the first team.
He’s modest
What was most impressive about Hall’s performance was his level of maturity on and off the pitch.
During the game he picked the right pass and always did the right thing.
Afterwards, he showed a modest approach and total honesty when it came to describing how he felt about making his bow for the club he clearly loves.
“It’s a dream come true,” he told Chelsea TV.
Last summer Hall signed a scholarship deal with the clubCredit: Instagram @lewishall_10
Playing at left-back or in midfield, Hall has excelled for both the U18 and U23 sidesCredit: Getty
Hall’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed by England, who have called him up to U18 levelCredit: Rex
“It’s something I’ve worked towards since a kid. To finally get the opportunity today… I’ve got to thank everyone. My family, the manager, the fans for making me feel so welcome.”
Incredibly, Hall only signed scholarship terms with the club last summer, and alongside his FA Cup appearance has also appeared in the FA Youth Cup, UEFA Youth League and Papa John’s Trophy.
It’s a progression, starting with seeing his name on the team sheet for the first eleven, that has surprised Hall as he continues his development.
“When I saw my name it was just instant shock,” Hall revealed at full-time.
“Nerve-wracking for a couple of hours. I just had to sit there for a bit and think ‘wow, this is the day’.
“As soon as I stepped on to the pitch the fans were behind me and wanted me to do well. It gave me the motivation and confidence to do what I can do.
A thankful Romelu Lukaku runs to Hall to celebrate his team mate’s assistCredit: Getty
Hall has been integrated into Tuchel’s training sessionsCredit: Getty
Hall appears to have a promising future at Chelsea after a breakthrough campaignCredit: Getty
“I started off [the season] in the U18s and just worked my way up. I’ve finally achieved what my aim is at Chelsea. I’m lost for words really.
“I’ve achieved my aims already and gone beyond what I wanted to achieve [this season]. When I get home I’m going to have to take a couple of days to take it all in and think about what’s next.”
Given he has taken to first team football like a duck to water, and proved to his coach that he can be trusted, you can bet we haven’t seen the last of Hall this season. More

HARVEY VALE has crept into Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts during the club’s Carabao Cup run.The 18-year-old Chelsea wonderkid made his second appearance for the Blues in the 2-0 win against Spurs, just weeks after making his debut in the quarter-final against Brentford.
Chelsea wonderkid Harvey Vale wanted to change his name to Cristiano Ronaldo as a kidCredit: Getty
Vale played his second game for the Blues against Spurs in the League CupCredit: Getty
But, if he had it own way, instead of having ‘Vale’ on the back of his shirt he would have preferred ‘Ronaldo’.
The teenager begged his mum to change his name to copy the Man Utd legend when he was a kid.
Vale has made his own name recognisable, though, with the Blues academy team – starring for the U18’s and U23’s.
Ronaldo obsession
Like many boys his age, attacking midfielder Harvey looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo.
He so obsessed by the Portuguese superstar, he asked his mum if he could change his name to ex-Real Madrid forward.
“In football, [my idol] was definitely Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told the Chelsea website.
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
“When I was younger, I begged my mum to let me change my name to Ronaldo, but looking back I’m glad she didn’t let me!”
In stature, Vale is similar in height and physique to his hero.
He joined Chelsea from Fulham – where he once played a game in goal – at the age of 13, and has risen through the youth ranks.
This season, he has been a revelation for the U23’s – with Tuchel keeping close tabs on the talent.
Because of his outstanding form and development this term, his coaches have raved about him.
That’s led to the German tactician including the youngster in first team training sessions.
Vale has been training with the Chelsea first teamCredit: Getty
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been impressed by what he’s seen of ValeCredit: Rex
Born natural
His flawless technique has already drawn plaudits from top performance coach Tom Joyce, who worked with Vale in 2021.
“He’s a natural baller and makes it look easy,” Joyce revealed.
“He’s dedicated and a really hard worker.
“When I teach him something new, or get him to perform a drill, he won’t stop until he’s got it right. He’s determined, and I like that in an athlete. He’s got great passing accuracy and an unbelievable shot, too.
“He’s a hard worker, so he just needs to stay consistent, put in the work behind the scenes and gain every advantage he can.
“I believe Harvey will soon follow Tino in making regular Premier League appearances, as he (Livramento) has shown he is capable of making the transition from the U23s. It has been exceptional.”
Vale is a natural baller, according to a former coachCredit: Rex
Contract expiring
Vale has 18-months left on his contract, with Chelsea hopeful his future can be resolved.
According to reports, the reason why a deal has stalled is because of the on-going Covid crisis rocking the football world.
Talks have been going on for some time, though, with neither party in a rush to finalise proceedings and a resolution on the cards.
However, the West London side will be wary after promising youngsters Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento departed from the Bridge.
They certainly won’t want to lose Vale, another gem from their famed academy set-up.
Vale flies into the tackle on his Chelsea debut against BrentfordCredit: Reuters
With his contract expiring in 18 months, Chelsea will be hopeful he signs a new dealCredit: Getty More