16-year-old Chelsea youngster says he feels proud after already playing for the U21s

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One Chelsea youngster’s development is coming along nicely, with the 16-year-old already getting a taste of U21 football.

Chelsea have a really talented academy that continues to produce talented footballers.

That was clear to see over the recent international break after England U19s called up several Chelsea youngsters.

Their aspirations will be to break into the senior squad, with Tyrique George having already managed to feature under Enzo Maresca this season after getting a run out in the Conference League.

• READ MORE: How Chelsea fans reacted to Tyrique George’s hat-trick against Brentford U21s

Shumaira Mheuka on playing for Chelsea U21s

Shumaira Mheuka is only 16 years of age, but he has already played for the Chelsea U21s, making his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League 2.

It is an achievement that Mheuka is really proud of, with the player telling Chelsea’s official website: “It’s been an amazing couple of weeks. It’s been super busy! I’ve been away with England, but now I’m back at Cobham, feeling good, and ready to return to league action.

“As a 16-year-old stepping up to the Under-21s squad, it was a proud moment, and it can be tough at times. But I feel like I’ve handled the situation well and embraced every opportunity that’s come my way.

“Getting a taste of Under-21s football has been great and has definitely pushed my performance even further.”

Chelsea lost their London derby against Tottenham 2-1 before drawing 1-1 with Everton.

The Blues’ first team have their own London derby this weekend when they travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United. Tosin Adarabioyo has sent a warning to West Ham ahead of the game.

What position does Shumaira Mheuka play?

Mheuka is a striker but has made one appearance in midfield this season, according to Transfermarkt.

Maresca could probably do with another centre-forward in his first team, though it is obviously too soon for Mheuka, who has just started playing football at U21 level.

Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are the only recognised No.9s that the new Chelsea manager currently has in his squad, with the latter still only 18.

Christopher Nkunku, however, can also play up front and may be pushing to start there this weekend after scoring the winning goal against Bournemouth last Saturday.

In the future, Mheuka will be hoping to do the same. But for now, Jackson and Guiu remain the only natural strikers in Maresca’s squad, while Nkunku and Joao Felix can also do a job up top if asked to.