Chelsea are often criticised for how they treat their homegrown talent, with many feeling that the club do not give enough first-team opportunities to them.
In the summer, Chelsea‘s handling of Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah, two academy graduates, was also questioned.
Amid a contract stand-off with Josh Acheampong, the spotlight is on Cobham once again. Acheampong is believed to be frustrated with his lack of minutes in the first team.
However, another Chelsea youngster, Frankie Runham, has had some very positive things to say about the club and how it looks after its young talent.
Frankie Runham’s message to other young players
Despite all of the criticism Chelsea face for how they manage their young players, Runham thinks the club is actually the best place to be as a youngster in football.
He explained why in an interview with Chelsea’s official website, saying: “Growing up around Chelsea has been a big part of my life. I’m determined to keep pushing toward making it to the senior team, that’s always been the goal.
“I think Chelsea is the best place to be for any young player. The way the staff treat you, the way the coaches develop you as both a player and a person, it’s second to none. I’ve been very lucky to have that kind of support and guidance.”
Not everyone seems convinced, though. Acheampong could join Liverpool or Real Madrid if his contract situation is not resolved.
Enzo Maresca trying to give Chelsea youngsters game time
Enzo Maresca definitely should have given Acheampong more minutes by this stage. Reece James and Malo Gusto have both had injuries this season; there have been opportunities to play the right-back.
That being said, the Italian has a really big squad and has tried to give some Chelsea youngsters some minutes.
Acheampong has at least got to feature in the Carabao Cup this season, while Shumaira Mheuka could make his first-team debut today.
The young striker has been included in Chelsea’s squad to face Panathinaikos in the Conference League. Chelsea fans were delighted to see Mheuka selected for the trip to Greece.
All in all, it looks like Acheampong is weighing up his future. Runham and others could find themselves in a similar situation in the future. But for now, it appears that the 17-year-old’s sole focus is making it into the Chelsea first team.
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