3 former academy players Chelsea should bring back next season

#1 Neil Etheridge (Cardiff City)

Cardiff City v Reading FC - FA Cup Fourth Round: Replay

Although a contentious choice for the top pick, Neil Etheridge offers Chelsea a profile which they are seriously lacking this season. Frank Lampard's men have been leaking goals throughout the campaign with much of the blame being shifted to out-of-form goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. His replacement Willy Caballero hasn't fared any better during his short stint in the team, with the veteran goalkeeper conceding five times in his last three matches.

Caballero, however, looks set to be heading for the exit door, with the 38-year-old out of contract at the end of the season. The Blues will be on the lookout for a back-up goalkeeper in the summer transfer window and former academy player Neil Etheridge could prove to be a shrewd pick-up.

The Philippines' international is currently playing in the Championship with Cardiff City, helping the Bluebirds in their quest to return to the top division on the first go following last season's relegation. Etheridge has already proven his worth in the Premier League, with the custodian keeping ten cleansheets throughout the 2018-19 season - three more than David de Gea. He also finished the campaign with one hundred and forty-one saves, second only to Lukasz Fabianski.