Chelsea are looking to collect their fourth FA Youth Cup in a row on Wednesday night when they face Manchester City in the second leg of the final.
Nathan Ake, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah have all made their name during successful campaigns in the FA Youth Cup, while Bristol City loanee Tammy Abraham could make a big impact upon Chelsea’s first team next season.
This season’s FA Youth Cup has seen Chelsea win six games, scoring 24 goals on their route to the final.
Yet again this year the Blues are up against Manchester City for a chance to lift the trophy.
After the first leg ended 1-1 in Manchester, Chelsea will feel confident coming into the return leg at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday, especially considering that Ike Ugbo has scored eight goals in this year’s competition.
We’ve picked out some youngsters that you should keep a watchful eye on during Wednesday night’s game.
Trevor Chalobah
The younger brother of fellow youth product Nathaniel Chalobah, the 17-year-old right-back is vice-captain of the team and has started every game so far in the tournament.
Chalobah has played as the central member of a defensive three and will be hoping to push on and add the ball playing attributes that would perfectly compliment his already growing reputation as a leader.
Dujon Sterling
Another right back, but this time in a more attacking capacity, Sterling has already won the FA Youth Cup – scoring in last season’s final and has developed into a rampaging wing-back.
His ability to both get forward and back make him one of the most appealing talents in this star-studded squad of youngsters.
Mason Mount
This year’s captain, Mount has been the architect of the young Blues’ success this season – scoring five goals from midfield, including a hat-trick against Cardiff.
Despite playing out of position in the new look 3-4-3 formation, Mount has continued to show his class and versatility in adapting to a new role.
He faces plenty of competition to well and truly establish himself in the first-team, especially considering Antonio Conte’s choice to neglect using an out and out attacking midfielder in his squad.
Likely to be one of the next players handed a loan move to prove himself.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
It was a mystery as to how Hudson-Odoi didn’t get on the scoresheet in the first leg of the final.
He was a constant menace against the Manchester City defence. His pace, power and tricky makes him a difficult player to stop once he gets going.
Jacob Maddox
Playing in a deep lying midfield role this season, Maddox has started in every round so far, and his ball winning abilities are a key asset in this formation.
Ike Ugbo
Following in Tammy Abraham’s footsteps, Ugbo has stepped up and scored 18 goals this season.
Ugbo is a clinical striker and smashed home from short range in the first leg to give Chelsea the lead.
Despite showing signs of becoming Chelsea’s next big talent, Ugbo will have to tread carefully as many young strikers before him haven’t fared so well when making the step up to the first team.