EPL 2016/17, Chelsea 4-3 Watford: 5 Talking Points

Chelsea 4-3 Watford Premier League
Chelsea celebrate their Premier League triumph in style

#3 Do Chelsea youngsters have a future at the club?

Nathan Ake
The likes of Nathan Ake has impressed when out on loan

Having kept faith with a relatively settled starting XI for much of 2016/17, Conte rang the changes against Watford. Along with Terry, Nathan Ake, Kenedy, Kurt Zouma, Nathaniel Chalobah and Michy Batshuayi were handed rare opportunities from the first whistle, while Ola Aina appeared as a second-half substitute.

Ake was recalled from a loan at Bournemouth midway through the campaign and could become a more prominent member of the first-team squad next year, particularly as he can play in a number of different roles. Zouma could become a starter but it is unclear whether Kenedy will be involved, while Chalobah turns 23 in December and may want assurances about likely playing time in west London before he decides whether he wants to extend his deal beyond 2018. Batshuayi, meanwhile, will almost certainly remain at the club after his big-money move last summer.

Chelsea have received a fair amount of criticism for failing to make the most of their young players in recent years, and the situation may not get any better given the amount of cash Conte will have to spend when the transfer market reopens.

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