According to Metro, Chelsea supporters could be in for a treat this season, as their young Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne could finally be showing his true potential on the pitch as he has been in the pre-season campaign leading up to the new season.

The Blues have changed their transfer policy to suit the need of the hour, and that is to secure a bright future for the club. The club’s focus has gradually shifted from buying older proven players to younger talents who have potential to improve tenfolds in the future. The emphasis has been to strengthen the youth academy, and yet have 20 and 21-year olds who can challenge a place in the senior squad to push the senior players. This not only improves the standard of football for the youngsters, but also pushes the senior players to achieve consistency in performances, else be ready to be replaced by a budding youth player. Gone are the days when the club would only buy players like Michael Ballack for a hefty fee at 31-years of age. Now, the club’s scouting team are working hard to spread their network to different countries where they can spot talent at a young age which would cost less, and eventually become a multimillion pound asset for the club.

De Bruyne began his career in native Belgium, when KVV Drongen, his hometown club, spotted his talent and began playing in the youth sides. Just two years down the line, Gent came calling, and instated him in their youth setup for six years. Racing Genk saw potential in the player, and gave him a period of three years in the youth academy to get him ready for a professional contract, and his progress was as expected. de Bruyne signed a professional deal with the club in 2008, and played four seasons, representing the side on 92 occasions and scoring 16 goals. Chelsea then signed him in 2012, and immediately sent him on a yearlong loan to Werder Bremen, where he was consistent.

Now, the 22-year old attacker seems all set to feature in Chelsea’s season, and add a bit of freshness to the experienced midfield.