Some around Chelsea’s academy think their ‘phenomenal’ youngster should be closer to first-team squad

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There’s staff around the Chelsea academy that believe their 21-year-old youngster should be closer to Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad this season.

The recent history of the Chelsea academy has been very successful, with so many talents coming through the youth system at Cobham. While many have gone on to join other top-flight clubs, the current Blues squad does include academy graduates such as Reece James and Levi Colwill.

Journalist Simon Phillips reported via Substack last month that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly values the importance of the club’s academy.

• READ MORE: Chelsea told they have a 16-year-old who is ready for first-team football right now

Harvey Vale is highly rated within Chelsea’s academy

According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea youngster Harvey Vale is rated by many at Stamford Bridge.

It is explained that some people around the academy think their 21-year-old talent should be closer to Enzo Maresca’s senior group this term. Apparently, those close to the versatile youngster believe he already has ‘Premier League pedigree’.

The report shares that Vale has joined new representatives, the Louie Anthony Sports Agency, after he received transfer interest in the summer.

The Mail’s report expands that Chelsea considered selling Vale in the summer, but he ended up staying put. In the opening months of the season, he’s been playing in the Blues Under-21s side.

It is explained that potential suitors are likely to return in the January window for the English youngster.

Chelsea talent needs first-team football

It’s a frustrating step back for Vale in his career to be back in the U21s right now.

We agree that the versatile left-footer, who can play as an attacking midfielder, winger, or wing-back, should be playing first-team football. It might be a step too far for him to break into Chelsea’s main group, though.

Vale was excellent during a season-long loan in League One with Bristol Rovers last year. Afterwards, The Athletic reported that Vale turned down joining Al-Ettifaq after Chelsea agreed to sell him.

Chelsea youngsters Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George are getting rare minutes in cup competitions this season, but the deep squad means it’s hard for Maresca to call up too many.

Joey Barton described Vale as “phenomenal” via Bristol Rovers’ YouTube channel last year, and there’s no doubt he’s got huge potential. Despite making five first-team appearances for Chelsea in the past, it feels like he may be in the wrong place to reach his best.