A year ago
10 wonderkids Mauricio Pochettino is providing the opportunity to breakthrough at Chelsea
Chelsea's pre-season training is well underway with new manager Mauricio Pochettino at the helm. While some key players are yet to return from international duty, Pochettino is already setting high standards and pushing for competitiveness within the squad. Despite the absence of senior players, a number of youngsters have been given the opportunity to train with the first team and impress the new coach. These young prospects may even have a chance to earn a place in the pre-season tour.
One notable inclusion is goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, who has been training with the squad due to the absence of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Although unlikely to break into the first team immediately, Sharman-Lowe has had valuable experience working with new goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez.
Winger Omari Hutchinson has also had the opportunity to train with senior players. Having made his Premier League debut for Chelsea last season, Hutchinson may have more chances to showcase his skills in the absence of Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk.
Cesare Casadei, who had an impressive under-20 World Cup representing Italy, is another young talent to watch. While Chelsea has a development plan in place for him, there is interest from clubs like Juventus for a potential loan move, and Casadei will be eager to make a positive impression.
Pochettino has several other under-20 World Cup players at his disposal. Andrey Santos, who captained Brazil in the tournament, has returned from his loan spell at Vasco da Gama and will likely be part of Chelsea's pre-season squad. Carney Chukwuemeka and Bashir Humphreys also featured in the tournament and have the chance to impress Pochettino, potentially through loans.
In addition, Alfie Gilchrist, Jimi Tauriainen, Malo Gusto, and Ian Maatsen have all been involved in Pochettino's training sessions. Gilchrist, who was a contender for the Premier League 2 player of the season, may benefit from a loan move to further his development. Tauriainen, despite struggling to break into the starting XI last season, has shown promise with his assists in the UEFA Youth League. Gusto and Maatsen, both full backs, have opportunities to challenge for their positions and earn a place in Pochettino's squad.
The coming week will be crucial in determining which players will make it on the pre-season tour and secure spots in Pochettino's squad. The inclusion of these young talents in training reflects Chelsea's commitment to nurturing and developing their promising players, providing them with valuable opportunities to impress the new manager and potentially make an impact in the upcoming season.
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