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When it comes to young players, Chelsea isn't the most friendly club. They have been known to disappoint many starlets on their journey to the big time, with many leaving and flourishing elsewhere. The dreaded loan system has earned Chelsea quite a lot of cash but for the players involved, it's not as fun.
However, there are still a few players who can make it at Chelsea. Whether or not they've been loitering around the first team is redundant. Under Maurizio Sarri, all you need to do is impress in training and you'll be in his good books.
Chelsea plays in the Europa League this season, so those matches are excellent opportunities for the fans to witness the array of talent at Chelsea's disposal. Anyway, in no particular order, here are five youngsters that are tipped for great futures.
#1 Ruben Loftus-Cheek (22 years old)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek headed into this season off the back of an impressive World Cup campaign with England. He was expected to be a breakthrough star, and so far it's been good in this regard.
The English midfielder has enjoyed some time in and around the first team this season. He is still yet to make his first Premier League start but he has made a few appearances from the bench. It was his hat-trick in the Europa League which earned him these precious minutes, which are hard to get with this Chelsea midfield.
Ageing at 22 years old, it's not too late for him to get his career on the right track. There has been a lot of talk over whether or not he should leave Chelsea but in my opinion, his best option is to remain put. Maurizio Sarri is known for getting the most out of players, so Loftus-Cheek can count on that being the case with him.
Should he continue the form that he showed at the World Cup and of course in the Europa League, then there's no reason why he can't replace Mateo Kovacic in the starting eleven next season.
#2 Mason Mount (19 years old)
Mason Mount is currently working with Frank Lampard, need I say more? The young midfielder showed signs of the Chelsea legend towards the start of his Derby loan move but has since tailed off. Still, there's a gem in the Englishman and it won't be long before he's unearthed.
Mason Mount is a very attack-minded midfielder, this is similar to Lampard. He loves to drive forward with the ball at his feet, encouraging his teammates to do the same. He is also a very good set-piece taker and we all know how valuable this is becoming in the modern game.
Should he continue to flourish under Frank Lampard and then further his understanding with Maurizio Sarri upon his Chelsea return, the fans are in for a treat. The environment is right for him to achieve, he just needs to make the most of it.
#3 Callum Hudson-Odoi (18 years old)
Callum Hudson-Odoi is one who impressed a lot in pre-season. He was lively and he made the most of his chances. His performances came as a pleasant surprise to Maurizio Sarri, who went on to start the forward in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
He's a confident player that thrives with the ball at his feet. Whenever he is on the ball, fans know that something special is in store. He often uses his footwork to get the better of the opposition, however, it's his confidence which makes all of this possible.
He's only just come onto the scene, so Chelsea fans have a lot to learn about him. But so far they can only take positives from his positives. I mean, Chelsea haven't loaned him out yet, so that could come as another positive.
#4 Andreas Christensen (22 years old)
Christensen has somewhat suffered ever since David Luiz came back on to the scene, but there is still life in the Dane. He has appeared a lot in the Europa League this season, and he is yet to let Chelsea down.
His defensive work is a sign of the times. He isn't the typical brute defenders which the Premier League has seen throughout the years. Instead, he likes to contribute to attacking play whenever possible. Whether this is with short passes out from the back or running into midfield, you best believe Christensen will try it.
The Europa League is probably his level for now. It will take a lot to overcome David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger in the starting eleven. Both of them have looked impressive, so you can understand why Sarri has opted to not start Christensen.
#5 Ethan Ampadu (18 years old)
We have a menace to end this list. In case you didn't know, Ethan Ampadu was recently involved in some shenanigans with the Wales national team. He got into a tangle with Kasper Dolberg and since returned to Chelsea prematurely.
It's not indicative of his style but it would be a good thing if it was anyway. Ampadu is a versatile defender who can also play as a defensive midfielder if need be. It would appear that Chelsea like this approach, as the same can be said for David Luiz.
The youngster who is known for his flamboyant hairstyle has proven he's not one to mess with, so if he can implement this approach more consistently then he could become loved by the Chelsea faithful. Obviously, it will get rival fans onto his back but who cares about that?
