The UEFA Youth League has been a happy stomping ground for Chelsea.
The Blues won it twice under Adi Viveash between 2014 and 2016 but lost badly last year in the final to Barcelona.
Chelsea’s success in the competition has provided a springboard for the conveyor belt of talent to have successful careers.
Andreas Christensen, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham were all part of Chelsea’s successes, and have become fully-fledged professionals.
So on the eve of Chelsea’s opening game against Molde, let’s have a look at some of the players Chelsea fans should be watching out for:
Billy Gilmour
Even at 17 years of age, Gilmour is having highlight videos made about him:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlB6Qhxppe4
Having joined from Rangers as a 16 year old, Gilmour’s talent has been on full display for Chelsea fans.
He has said that Cesc Fabregas is his idol, and he will have an important role as the creative spark in Chelsea’s five-man midfield.
Luke McCormick
Registered as one of Chelsea’s three permitted over-age players, McCormick will be part of Chelsea’s midfield alongside Gilmour.
He signed for the Blues when he was six years old, and scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 win on his UEFA Youth League debut.
He was their leading scorer in last year’s competition with five goals and as one of the senior players, will be seen as an important figure for them.
Ethan Ampadu
Although he has been part of Chelsea’s first-team this season, Ampadu will have a key role in their UEFA Youth League campaign.
Manager Joe Edwards favours a back three, and Ampadu will likely play in the middle of the three.
He will be required to provide defensive solidity and be good on the ball if Chelsea are to succeed.
Juan Castillo
In Chelsea’s favoured 3-5-2, the wing-backs provide an important role.
They have to have the energy to transition quickly from defence to attack, and as a result, vice versa.
Castillo’s physically dominating performances have caught the attention of many fans and has been integral to their prolonged success.
He is backed up well by Ian Maatsen, summer recruit from PSV, whose quickness, agility and speed of thought contrasts Castillo’s physical displays.
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