Andreas Christensen
After spending eight years at Brøndby, the young Danish under-21 international signed for Chelsea in February 2012 following interest from a number of Europe’s elite clubs, including the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Strong in the tackle and more than assured in possession, the centre-back has been earmarked as the long-term future of Chelsea’s defence. Chelsea captain John Terry has indicated the man from Denmark is destined to play at the highest level: “Believe me, I am sure that he will be a top footballer and one of the future men for Chelsea.” Christensen still has a long way to go but has already made his professional debut in October 2014, playing the full ninety minutes at right-back in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory away to Shrewsbury Town in the fourth round of the League Cup.
Charlie Colkett
Plucked at a tender age from the Charlton under-11’s, Colkett has established himself as a regular fixture in Adi Viveash’s midfield, and signed his first professional contract upon turning 17 in September 2013. A classy operator with a cultured left foot, Colkett’s composure and awareness on the ball makes him a danger to any team and has seen him deployed in a more advanced role for the England U-18’s. His ability to pick a pass from deep or unlock defences when joining the attack has led him to take the responsibility of Chelsea’s chief creator, much like Cesc Fàbregas in Chelsea’s senior team.
Charly Musonda
Born in Brussels, the 18-year old is also a regular in Viveash’s under-21 side and would be humbled to hear that he is displaying many of the qualities of his Belgian counterpart, Eden Hazard. The flying winger is lightning off the mark and excels in one-on-one situations with his frightening speed and footwork. Initially slightly lacking a cool head in the final third, the exciting prospect has been a young man for the big occasions. Musonda has scored goals in the under-21 league play-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup final against Fulham, which saw Chelsea victorious in the second leg where he won a penalty converted by none other than Charlie Colkett.
Isaiah Brown
Nicknamed ‘Izzy,’ Brown joined Chelsea from West Brom in the summer of 2013 in a transfer that attracted much controversy and split opinions, with compensation between the two clubs only decided as a result of a tribunal. Brown is praised for his versatility along the front line, most commonly used on either wing. The England under-19 international is equally adept in a number 10 role or as a central striker. Another blue with pace to burn, Brown was prominent in José Mourinho’s pre-season, scoring twice in a friendly against Wycombe Wanderers. It is also worth noting that the fleet-footed forward became the second-youngest player to grace the Premier League at the age of 16 years and 117 days.
Dominic Solanke
Part of Chelsea’s academy since the under-8s, Solanke’s potential has been clear to see at the numerous levels of youth team football, finding the net with ease. Always on the move and looking to run in-behind the opposition’s defence, the young forward has a knack of scoring goals with twenty goals in twenty-five appearances for Chelsea’s under-18’s last season. He has also been able to replicate his club form at international level scoring 12 in six under-16 games and11 in 14 appearances for the England under-17’s. England Men’s Youth Player of the Year, Solanke made his professional debut as a late substitute in a 6-0 win over NK Maribor in the Champions League.
To hear more from Conor, follow him on Twitter @Conor_OConnell.
