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Three Chelsea youngsters who will be looking to shine under Antonio Conte
In recent years, Chelsea have developed a reputation of not embedding players from their youth system into the first-team squad. Only a handful have been given a chance, and enough time showcase their capabilities. Some players who missed out are now Premier League regulars, including Ryan Bertrand, Robert Huth and Fabio Borini, whilst others have found home abroad, such as Jeffrey Bruma (Wolfsburg), Miroslav Stoch (Fenerbahce) and Gael Kakuta (Hebei China Fortune).
Even though Ruben Loftus-Cheek has seen himself finding more and more first match experience recently, the current crop of Chelsea youngsters will know how hard the challenge of breaking into the first team will be. So, which of them will most fancy their chances this term? Over the next few pages, we have selected the three who possibly have the greatest opportunity.
Bertrand Traore
Bertrand Traore made 16 appearances last season for Chelsea, albeit most of them from the substitutes’ bench. Crucially however, he impressed not just Chelsea fans but the management team, who regard him as one of the finest youngsters at the club.
Traore began his professional career on loan at Vitesse Arnhem from Chelsea, a club who agreed a mutually beneficial partnership with the Blues back in 2010 by which Chelsea would loan Vitesse promising young footballers in the hope that regular football in the Eredivisie would speed up progression into the first team. This partnership has so far had the desired impact on Traore.
After scoring 20 in 51 games in a two year spell in Holland, he found himself fighting with Loic Remy for the 2nd-choice striker role at Chelsea during the 2015/16 season. He scored goals against MK Dons, Newcastle, Manchester City, and an excellent curling effort against Stoke. Of course, at only 20-years-old, his game is far from perfect. His ball control still needs work, and he has a frequent habit of being found in an offside position.
Yet, he has undoubted raw ability, and a natural eye for goal, something that in the modern era can cost teams millions of pounds. Despite the signing of Michy Batshuayi to bolster their attacking options, Traore will be looking to see more and more game time under Antonio Conte.