Chelsea are preparing to host AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and Michael Golding may get his senior debut. So, here is everything we know about him.
The Blues are contesting the second round of the EFL competition for the first time in seven years after failing to qualify for any European football last term. Chelsea ended the Premier League season down in just 12th place to miss out on another campaign with UEFA fixtures.
Instead, AFC Wimbledon await Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first meeting between the two teams. The Dons claimed their place in the second round of the Carabao Cup by edging Coventry City. Omar Bugiel (86’) and Ryan McLean (92’) sealed a 2-1 result right at the end.
Chelsea beat Bristol Rovers 3-2 the last time they played in the second round of the Carabao Cup. Michy Batshuayi (29’, 41’) and Victor Moses (31’) delivered the goals in Antonio Conte’s experienced side. But Mauricio Pochettino will give youth a chance against AFC Wimbledon.
Pochettino has confirmed that he will play a few of Chelsea’s academy gems in their Carabao Cup tie with AFC Wimbledon, with Golding one likely to feature. So with that in mind, here is everything you need to know about Golding ahead of Chelsea’s clash with AFC Wimbledon…
Who is Michael Golding?
Michael Golding is a member of Chelsea’s academy and he even joined the Blues’ from AFC Wimbledon. The youngster quit the Dons at the end of his Under-12s season and has since risen through the Blues’ youth ranks. He is now on the fringes of Chelsea’s first-team squad.
Where and when was Michael Golding born?
Michael Golding was born in Kingston, southwest London on May 23, 2006. But he is eligible to represent both England and the Republic of Ireland through his family. He has also played for both nations with Under-15, U16 and U17 caps for England and a U16 outing for Ireland.
What position does Michael Golding play?
Chelsea have honed the skill that AFC Wimbledon first nurtured to develop Michael Golding into a central midfielder. But the youngster can operate throughout the Blues’ engine room. He has appeared as a holding and as an attacking midfielder, and even sparingly as a striker.
How good is Michael Golding?
Michael Golding is a title-winning player in Chelsea’s academy and has captained the Blues at the youth level. He has also captained England at the U17 level and has amassed 19 caps to date, plus four goals and three assists. He first played in England’s U15 side in May 2021.
Will Antwi gave Golding his U15 England debut just one week after his 15th birthday. While the Republic of Ireland took a closer look at his potential for their U16s in September 2021. But the midfielder has remained a loyal part of the Young Lions set-up since his sole outing.
Chelsea, meanwhile, awarded Golding his first professional contract this summer following a strong U18s season. He also won the U16 National Tournament with Chelsea in 2021/22 and was the Player of the Tournament. He also helped England’s U16s win Val de Marne in 2021.
Now, Pochettino has Golding on the fringes of Chelsea’s first-team side ahead of facing AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup. He can offer a hardworking and creative presence for their side. Golding has shown a promising creative threat during his time with Chelsea’s academy.
Michael Golding’s stats at Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino would afford Michael Golding his first-team debut, should the teenager feature as Chelsea host AFC Wimbledon. He is also yet to establish himself with their U21s.
Under-18, Chelsea: 17 appearances, 5 goals, 2 assists
Under-19, Chelsea: 1 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists
Under-21, Chelsea: 1 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists
First-team, Chelsea: 0 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
