Which youngsters could make their breakthrough in the Capital One Cup this season?
Chelsea’s increasingly crowded fixture list means that cup games, beginning with tonight’s game against Shrewsbury in the Capital One Cup are the perfect opportunities to give some of the club’s ludicrously talented youth players a chance in the first team. Jose Mourinho has never been too keen on risking games by playing too many youngsters, but he is sure to risk at least a couple of the wonderkids in each round.
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5) Lewis Baker – 19 years old
The 19-year old was recently called up to the England U21s, and the central midfielder looks set to continue his rise to prominence this season with a start against Shrewbury. He has been at Chelsea since the age of 10, and will hope that tonight is the first of many games for the Blues.
4) Andreas Christensen – 18
The centre-half is on £20,000-a-week according to the Daily Mail, and may finally get the chance to actually earn some of that money against League 2 minnows Shrewsbury tonight. The elegant centre-half is good on the ball and is certainly quick enough for top level football.
3) Dominic Solanke – 17
The youngster finally made his debut against Maribor in the Champions League last week, and the striker will hope to force his way to more minutes as the season goes on. Unlikely to play against Shrewsbury after playing for the U21s against Tottenham last night.
2) Kurt Zouma – 20
The centre-back also made his debut against Maribor, and impressed hugely, playing 90 minutes without putting a foot wrong. Also started against Bolton in the previous round, and looks set to play most of the tournament to give Gary Cahill and John Terry the occasional break.
1) Nathan Aké – 19
The Dutch midfielder is slowly establishing himself as a rotation option for Mourinho, and has now played four times for the Blues. Can play at centre-back despite his lack of size, but will likely play the majority of his cup games in defensive midfield this season.