Enzo Maresca has given a number of youngsters the chance to impress for Chelsea this season amid a variety of injury problems they have had to deal with.
Josh Acheampong has taken his chance with both hands so far, and established himself as a genuine contender to start for the first team in the Premier League.
Tyrique George has joined the defender in being made a first team player this season, and fellow youngster Marc Guiu currently sits as the top scorer in the Conference League group stages.
Ishe Samuels-Smith in Chelsea first team training
The Blues boast an impressive academy side at Cobham, and it is perhaps not surprising that there are many who already have the credentials to feature for the senior side.
One of those yet to make his debut is Ishe Samuels-Smith, a left-sided defender who was brought in from Everton’s youth setup.
The youngster has been a regular in Premier League 2 this season picking up three assists in eight games.
Now, it looks as if Maresca is ready to give him the chance to make an impact amongst his other top players. Pictures on the 5th Stand App have shown that Samuels-Smith was amongst the group training in the first session after the draw with Bournemouth.
Ishe Samuels-Smith could replace Renato Veiga
An opportunity to make his mark in the first team setup could have come out of nowhere this month thanks to Renato Veiga.
The Portugal international is reportedly interested in a move away from Stamford Bridge this month, and has agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund over a move in January.
However, Veiga was in the matchday squad for the recent game against Bournemouth, and the goalposts seem to have been moved from him wanting a permanent move away to instead hoping for a loan for the rest of the season.
With a new signing unlikely in that position this month, the opportunity is there for Samuels-Smith to establish himself as genuine competition for Marc Cucurella.
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