Chelsea are known to consistently produce some of the best youngsters but the bizarre fact that John Terry was probably the last academy graduate to make it big at Stamford Bridge makes the fans cringe.
The management has been much-maligned over their youth policy but much of it is down to the non-continuity of coaches at the club. With, Antonio Conte is known to trust the youngsters, the fans and the youngsters finally have a fresh air of hope.
Conte provided winger Charly Musonda with his first start at the club and the Belgian responded in tremendous fashion scoring with a beautiful low drive.
It was one of those nights that nearly everything he tried seemed to come off and he thrived with confidence from the very beginning. He knew it was a massive chance for him and he more than took it.
Conte, earlier this season handed Andreas Christensen his first start and the Dane has since then gone on to make 6 impressive appearances for the Blues.
Conte also deployed 17-year-old Ethan Ampadu, recently signed from Exeter City who is the youngest player Chelsea have used for more than 10 years. Born in 2000, the player is one of the first of his generation and if his cameo is anything to go by, the youngster could go on to become a regular at Stamford Bridge.
Another 17-year-old Dujon Sterling also got a few minutes on board for Conte’s side as the Blues enjoyed a comfortable evening.
But are these players ready for the Premier League?
One cannot be so sure of that. One has to remember that this was a Forest side that made eight changes from their last Championship game. They were hardly full strength and they were up against a young winger they couldn’t get near, but if he was to start against, say, Stoke then things might be different.
But nonetheless, the signs were encouraging for the kids, the fans, the manager and most importantly owner Roman Abramovich.
The Blues are competing in four competitions this season, and chances will come for the youngsters. Conte has not been able to strengthen the side as much as he would have liked over the summer but that may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the likes of Musonda, Christensen, and co.
Chelsea have drawn Everton in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and it remains to be seen if Conte provides the kids with a chance against a big team like them.
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