Chelsea have signed a long list of youngsters since the BlueCo takeover. That has not brought about the results that the club would have hoped though, as the Blues have failed to qualify for the Champions League three out of four times. At the same time, it has also had a negative impact when it comes to the pathway for Cobham talent.
Just look at what players who have left Cobham early have gone on to achieve. Declan Rice, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Lewis Hall and several others were part of Chelsea’s youth ranks at one point, but have gone on to establish themselves as world-class players elsewhere.
A large part of that is because enough opportunities have been afforded to them or those before them at Chelsea, which convinced them to depart. The Blues must make sure that they provide that pathway to Cobham’s best.
One such player is rated very highly by Rio Ferdinand. While talking on The Long Play podcast, the Manchester United legend named Jesse Derry as the best under-20 player in the United Kingdom.
Rio Ferdinand believes Chelsea youngster is the best U20 player in the UK
Of course, Derry has gotten a little taste of first-team football at Chelsea already. His first start in the Premier League did go as hopes as he suffered a head injury and was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Chelsea fans will be hoping that Derry returns better and stronger than ever. The expectation is that he will be involved in pre-season, where Xabi Alonso will get a chance to have a look at him.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Derry. But it is quite clear that he is regarded very highly by those who understand the game.
Derry has a chance to make senior breakthrough next season
Xabi Alonso is not someone who is afraid to give a chance to youngsters over more senior players, if he feels he is the right option. At Real Madrid, he did so with Franco Mastantuono, Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen and more.
Before that, at Bayer Leverkusen, players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Piero Hincapie were some who developed under his watched and eventually earned moves to some of world football’s biggest clubs.
So, if Derry has the talent, he should be able to get chances under Alonso. After that, it would be upon him to take them.
There could be an opening on the left flank at Chelsea right now. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have both struggled since arriving and could potentially be shown the exit door this summer. That might provide extra playing time to someone like Derry.
Derry has impressed with the little time that he has gotten to play at the senior level so far. In fact, he was Chelsea’s best player on the pitch before getting injured in that game against Nottingham Forest. He looks like someone who is fearless, who is not intimidated by the moment. Sometimes, that is just what you need to break through to that next level.
