How Many Chelsea Academy Products Are Currently In the 1st Team
Chelsea’s academy is one of the best in the world – arguably, it’s the best youth system that England has to offer. The evidence is there – the Premier League is packed with former Chelsea academy products but how many Chelsea academy products are currently in the 1st team?
There are six players in Chelsea’s first team who have risen up through the ranks at Stamford Bridge. Across the Premier League, there are many more – but let’s keep things local, for now.
From imposing strikers to energetic midfielders to stout-hearted defenders, the Chelsea youth academy can do it all. Here’s a look at six former Blues academy products who made it to the first team – the present may be gloomy, but with an academy as good as Chelsea’s, the future is always bright.
Armando Broja
Armando Broja has experienced some horrendous luck upon his promotion to Chelsea’s first team. Following a decent loan spell at Southampton last season, he injured his ACL in a friendly during the World Cup break – which will leave him on the sidelines until next campaign.
It was a devastating blow for both Broja and Chelsea. Chelsea’s only natural striker now is former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – the Gabonese’s turgid current form has left Blues fans crying out for an alternative.
At just 21, Broja has plenty of time to press on with his career. The Albanian international made 12 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring one goal and notching up one assist.
Mason Mount
One of the shining stars of Chelsea’s academy, Mason Mount’s talents cannot be denied. A hard working attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, he was an almost instant hit when he joined the first team in 2019.
He’s carved out a seemingly permanent spot in Chelsea’s senior team. This season, Mount has scored three goals and made two assists in 18 Premier League games.
He announced his arrival in English football on loan at Derby County. While the Rams failed to gain promotion from the Championship, Mount’s quality throughout that season was on show for all to see.
Conor Gallagher
Tireless box-to-box player Conor Gallagher hasn’t quite hit the heights that many expected him to this season. He’s not been poor, by any means – but he has underwhelmed somewhat but still did enough to make England’s World Cup squad.
While on loan at Crystal Palace last year, Gallagher was one of the Eagles’ stand out performers. Across the season, he scored eight goals and notched up three assists.
The Epsom-born starlet has been unable to replicate his form from last season at his parent club. He’s scored just one goal with one assist in 17 Premier League appearances this campaign but you know it’s just a matter of time given his talent.
Trevoh Chalobah
Another player who has not been quite as impressive as they were last year is Trevoh Chalobah. He was used primarily as backup defender in the previous campaign, but was happy to take the chances he got.
He’s being slowly integrated into Chelsea’s starting eleven, with eleven appearances this season. Interestingly, when Chalobah hasn’t started in the Premier League this season, Chelsea have only been able to keep a clean sheet twice.
He’s still developing and isn’t the perfect defender yet. Despite his flaws, he is very adaptable and can fit into almost any defensive position – at 23, he also has plenty of time to learn.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The oldest entry in this list, Loftus-Cheek made his Chelsea first-team debut all the way back in 2014. He has never really developed into the player that Chelsea fans hoped he may have – but he can provide a reliable backup nonetheless.
A talented midfielder with excellent ball control who has enormous talent, Loftus-Cheek has enjoyed spells on loan at clubs such as Crystal Palace and Fulham during his career as well as starring for England in a game at the 2018 World Cup in Russia This year, he’s made 14 Premier League appearances for Chelsea.
He’s currently suffering with calf injury, but is on his way back to full fitness. This will come as good news to the Blues, who are in the midst of an injury crisis.
Reece James
We saved the best until last – Reece James isn’t just one of Chelsea’s best players, he’s one of the best players at England’s disposal, too. A fantastic right back who is excellent at marauding down the flank – he also possesses very solid defensive fundamentals.
He’s adaptable, too. On several occasions have we seen him slot in at the right side of a centre back trio, where he has performed admirably.
He, like a few others on this list, is out with an injury as of right now. Chelsea have sorely missed his creativity from deep, not to mention his defensive capabilities.