One Chelsea Under-21 player has been speaking about a new thing that the club have setup that could now help make any potential transition from the academy to the first team become more smooth.
Chelsea have been criticised recently for buying up so many young talents and then not doing enough to make a pathway for their own academy players. With all the new talents coming in and being added to the roster, it means that chances to make it at Chelsea will become harder and harder.
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But there is also a sense that if a young player is good enough, then they will make it. But I can see arguments from both sides of this.
The Chelsea sporting directors have recently spoken about the academy being at the forefront of their plans, and perhaps the hiring of the new U21 manager in the summer is one sign of this.
Acheampong speaks
Chelsea’s young rising star Josh Acheampong, who has played under Enzo Maresca already in the first team this season, has spoken about the transition between the U21s and the first team.
‘The pre-season tour was so valuable,’ Acheampong said on the Chelsea website today.
‘I got to play at the top level against tough competition, but it was also an opportunity to get to know the senior squad on a more personal level. Making new connections within any team is important, if not everything. Those players are where I hope to be. Gaining advice and listening to their experiences helps me and it always pushes me to get to where they are.
‘Playing against Barrow was another great experience. It gave me more confidence and more minutes under my belt, which will help me continue to progress and develop.
‘I’m excited to see what’s next and to keep working hard. Being able to play senior football helps develop my skills to the next level, which I can bring back to Under-21s football.
‘It’s different, but when I transition back to the Academy, I feel I have more to give. I’m physically and mentally ready to play any game now and I can thank my experiences for that.
‘Filipe [Coehlo, the Chelsea U21 manager] is very similar to Enzo [Maresca]. They have similar styles of play and share the same goals and mindset. This makes the transition between them easier, as there is little difference between their styles. Just like Filipe, Enzo is passionate about teamwork and building connections within the squad, whether on or off the pitch.
‘Having a good bond off the pitch is just as important, as it creates friendships. Knowing that your team-mates have your back makes you want to work harder on the pitch.
‘The strong links between the men’s and Under-21s teams is important. It’s great that Chelsea works in this way. It’s clear throughout the club we follow the same mentality, which prepares you as much as possible for the next stage.’
