Chelsea began their tour preparations last week with first team players and new signings, as well as loanees at Stamford Bridge. The most notable returnees are three promising youngsters who graduated from the Chelsea academy and await their fate at the end of the training season.
Midfielder Conor Gallagher returned to Chelsea this summer after two full seasons in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace respectively, as well as a spell with the England international team. After playing almost every minute of pre-season, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said Gallagher could be “an important element once he proves he is fit to play for the team”.
In both circles, doubts remain over the futures of young striker Armando Broch and promising defender Levi Colwell. Both players want to settle their situation before the Blues jet launch on a pre-season tour of the United States of America, and their futures are still unclear weeks before the start of the league. Colwell and Broya may not have the same experience as Gallagher, but both are looking for a guarantee that they will play regularly or leave for good.
The London club has always benefited from the academy kids, especially during the sanctions
Colwell is considered one of the best young defenders in English football, although he has yet to prove himself at the highest level. The young defender starred for Huddersfield in the First Division Championship last season and has shown he deserves a chance at Chelsea. For his part, Borucha played for Southampton in the second half of last season, and is keen to decide his fate before the start of the league (the player has interests from several clubs, but Tuchel insists that no referee until end of the pre-season).
The great talent of the young trio offers practical solutions for the Tuchel line. Gallagher could take pressure off central midfield from N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, and Broja could help fill the void created by Romelu Lukaku’s loan to Inter Milan, while Colwell is likely to reposition himself in back row.
Take advantage of the past
Chelsea are wary of repeating the pattern of previous seasons, most recently in the summer of 2021, when defenders Fikayo Tomori and Mark Guihi were axed, in addition to young striker Tammy Abraham. The trio played an impressive role and proved their worth at AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Roma respectively last season, drawing criticism from Chelsea, especially in light of the team’s need for names in the back and front line.
There is a big difference of opinion between management, technical staff and fans. Some of them want to increase the number of academy graduates in the first team, while others want bright names ready to compete for titles. Over the past few years, the Chelsea academy has proven its worth by winning domestic and European titles and producing top talents, notably Mason Mount and Rhys James, who have broken into the first team squad.
The future of the academy kids remains uncertain and the key to Chelsea’s success may be finding the best balance possible.
Source: Al-Akhbar
