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#3 Callum Hudson-Odoi
For Chelsea fans, the rise of Callum Hudson-Odoi is a thing of pride. He was not always the brightest player in Chelsea’s academy, but his tenacity shone through. Through perseverance and sheer hard work, Hudson-Odoi rose through Chelsea’s ranks to become an important member of the first team.
Hudson-Odoi first joined the Blues in 2007 and made his under-18 debut in 2016. Two years later, in January 2018, he broke into the first team, featuring in the FA Cup match victory against Newcastle United. The 20-year-old is currently with Thomas Tuchel’s first team and plays primarily on the right wing.
The winger is great with the ball at his feet, is impressively quick, and can shoot better than most. Given Chelsea’s depth, it will not be easy for him to become a regular in the Premier League. But we should see more of him in the EFL and FA Cups.
#2 Xavier Mbuyamba
Many Chelsea fans hail Xavier Mbuyamba as the next big thing at Chelsea, and we cannot help but agree with them. He was first courted by Chelsea in 2019. Terms were agreed like clockwork and the deal was set to go through.
Unfortunately, Chelsea were hit by a transfer ban right before his transfer was finalized, meaning he had to wait for his favorite club to return for him.
Finally, in August 2020, he signed for the Chelsea U-23 side but was almost immediately sidelined with a torn meniscus. The centre-back is slowly getting his fitness back and has trained alongside first-team stars over the course of the international break.
Thomas Tuchel even kept him on the team-sheet for Chelsea’s EFL Cup tie against Aston Villa. He did not get the chance to make his debut, of course, but Tuchel’s confidence in him is certainly promising.
Don't be surprised if he manages to wiggle his way in and star in a cup or Premier League game this season.
#1 Reece James
England international and Chelsea right-back Reece James is an inspiration to millions of budding footballers across the world. But for Chelsea academy students, he is already an icon, an example deserving of unflinching devotion.
James joined Chelsea when he was only six years old. He rose through the youth ranks, overcoming every hurdle to win his Chelsea senior team debut in September 2019. The 21-year-old is a technical full-back who can play even as a centre-back or in the middle of the pitch.
He crosses well, has blistering pace and possesses surprisingly impressive close control. All these skills make him Chelsea’s most promising U-21 player, and we cannot wait to see how his story unfolds.
