‘Talented’ 19-year-old is Chelsea’s youngster to watch in 2024, he could be special

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Chelsea’s production line in the academy continues to churn out stars for the future every year, so we’re excited to see who steps into the limelight in 2024.

The Chelsea Chronicle has attempted to predict the best Blues youngster for the next calendar year.

We’ll give a special mention to 18-year-old midfielder Leo Casledine, but it’s his academy teammate that we think could make next year a special one for himself.

Alex Matos, who’s just 19, is our pick for the Chelsea youngster to watch very closely in 2024.

Chelsea fans watch out for Alex Matos

Signed in the summer from Norwich City, Matos is only a few months into his Chelsea career and settling into new surroundings.

However, we’re already seeing enough in the rising star to suggest he could be quite a special player with a big future ahead.

He immediately stands out in Chelsea’s Under-21s games as being a real physical presence, where most of his appearances come as a central midfielder. The versatile youngster can play further forward as an attacking midfielder if needed, too.

On top of some eye-catching academy performances, Matos has already made his first-team debut in Chelsea colours. He’s had a single appearance in the Premier League, followed by the Carabao Cup.

We’re now seeing him make the matchday squad on a regular occurrence in the league matches.

Mauricio Pochettino is well aware

We heard shortly before Christmas some very intriguing words from Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino regarding the club’s youngsters and future stars.

Speaking via Guardian Series in December, Pochettino explained that he’s been “really impressed” by Matos when he’s mixed it with the first-team players. He added that the English teenager is “talented” and ultra competitive with the senior names in the squad.

It’s refreshing to hear that Pochettino does still have a big eye on the academy even while his team battles away on the pitch.

We’re expecting Matos to get bigger, stronger and more confident the more he’s training at Cobham. Hopefully, he’s not played his last first-team minutes for this campaign as well.