16-year-old youngster makes first start for Chelsea U21s after embarrasing first team stars in training

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Plenty of success stories have continued to come out of the Chelsea academy this season as the young stars at the club work towards making their mark on the first team.

There was some reported concern from Cobham about the route to the first team squad earlier this season, and this proved too much of a stumbling block for Rio Ngumoha, who moved to Liverpool over the summer.

However, those still at the club have stepped up, with many playing above their age level. The Blues named 14-year-olds in their squad for an U18 Premier League win over Leicester earlier this year.

The opportunity has cropped up for some of those who have impressed in the academy to feature alongside first team players too.

Shumaira Mheuka became Chelsea’s youngest ever starter in Europe, and could be in line for the trip to Warsaw for the Conference League quarter-finals this week.

16-year-old Chizzy Ezenwata starts for Chelsea U21s

It has been a big week for the Under 21s, who took part in the Premier League Cup quarter-finals against Burnley.

Mheuka was absent from the squad, and there was an opportunity for some younger players to make their mark way above their age level.

Despite the 2-0 defeat, 16-year-old striker Chizzy Ezenwata was given a start in the striker position for the U21s as a mark of how impressive his campaign has been.

The teenager has 10 goals to his name for the U18s this season, and has been on the scoresheet in the FA Youth cup too.

Chizzy Ezenwata embarrasses Chelsea first team stars

It was widely reported that Enzo Maresca had cancelled a day off for his first team stars before their return from the international break after a poor result against a squad of youngsters in training.

Maresca was furious as the young players ran riot, with Ezenwata one of those who found the net in a dismantling of those who were fit for the Blues.

The message seemed to get through to the Chelsea squad, who returned to winning ways with a big victory against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

With young players getting their chance in the Conference League this season, it may not be too late for Ezenwata to earn his opportunity before the campaign comes to a close.