Chelsea youngster claims his speed can be the difference between his team winning and losing

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Chelsea arguably have the best academy in the country, and this international break showed that.

For example, Chelsea had five players feature for England U19s in their 3-2 defeat to Germany on Tuesday.

It is an academy that has also produced some really talented footballers in recent years, including Reece James and Levi Colwill, who are both still at Chelsea.

Joseph Wheeler-Henry will now be hoping that he can follow in James and Colwill’s footsteps and break into the Chelsea first team one day.

• READ MORE: How Todd Boehly really feels about Chelsea’s academy

Joseph Wheeler-Henry on his biggest strength

Wheeler-Henry recently sat down with Chelsea’s official website, telling it that his speed is his ultimate weapon and can be the difference between his side winning and losing a game.

“My speed, without a doubt,” the right-back said when asked what is his biggest strength. “I like to say I’m one of the quickest players on the team. Being fast is one of my biggest strengths and makes me stand out.

“Being able to follow the opposition and beat them to the ball could be the difference between winning and losing the game.”

Wheeler-Henry also discussed Antonio Rudiger, revealing that the former Chelsea player is someone whom he has always looked up to.

Pace an important attribute for Joseph Wheeler-Henry

Being a right-back, having a good level of speed is obviously helpful for Wheeler-Henry.

Wheeler-Henry can also play in central defence, so when the 16-year-old is in that area of the pitch, he can use his pace to run back and make last-ditch tackles.

The right-back position has been a problem for Chelsea’s senior team this season. James has been injured and suspended, while Malo Gusto also picked up a problem just before the international break.

However, it is probably a little bit too early to try and use Wheeler-Henry as a solution. If James and Gusto are both out, then Enzo Maresca is likely to turn to Axel Disasi, who has already played at full-back this season.

Chelsea are weighing up signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, though, which could push the Frenchman out of the club. Disasi is currently quite low in Maresca’s pecking order, yet to play in his natural centre-back position in the new campaign.