Despite Chelsea winning big against Legia Warsaw in the Conference League quarter-final first leg, it was one of their players who was the real winner of the evening.
Tyrique George was handed a start in Europe following his impressive first campaign as a senior player at Stamford Bridge, however he was still missing that illusive first goal for the club.
That changed in the 3-0 victory in Poland, where after a frustrating first half they kicked into gear, lead by the young winger.
He converted from close range after a Reece James shot was saved, and the emotion on his face was clear to see after spending the majority of his life as part of Chelsea.
George starred in our player ratings for the game, with Noni Madueke also making a real impact off the bench as the Blues eventually showed their class.
Chelsea players praise Tyrique George after first Blues goal
Madueke predicted George would score before the game, and the pair sent a message to Enzo Maresca over who he should be starting in the wide positions for the upcoming Premier League games.
The winger finding the net was clearly popular amongst the entire Chelsea squad, and many took to social media after the game to praise the youngster.
Reece James posted on his Instagram story: “Happy for you lil bro.”
Noni Madueke’s Instagram story read: “Congrats lil bro. First of many.”
George himself posted a picture of him celebrating, with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Carney Chukwuemeka and Marc Guiu all responding with praise.
Enzo Maresca praises George
Maresca got his tactics spot on against Legia, and one of those decisions was having faith in 19-year-old George to make a real difference.
The manager was full of praise for George after the game, with him particularly impressed is how he took the responsibility to drive the Blues into dangerous areas.
He told Football London: “Very happy first of all for the Chelsea academy because it’s one of our boys from the academy so very happy for him. He was quite good first half, take responsibility, second half in the middle probably was a bit better.”
George has now put himself in the conversation for another start when the Blues are back in action against Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge.
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