Chelsea plans for top youngsters revealed as huge summer awaits

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Mauricio Pochettino has given debuts or squad places to a host of academy talents at Chelsea this season.

The Blues head coach has been forced to use the youth teams to cover for a persistent injury crisis in his senior squad.

Alfie Gilchrist and Deivid Washington have regularly made the matchday squad, while many others have been on rotation for chances to get on the bench.

Here, Standard Sport assesses the plan for Chelsea’s emerging stars next season.

Alfie Gilchrist

The 20-year-old defender has had more chances than any other youngster this season, having made his debut against Crystal Palace in December.

He has made 11 senior appearances in total so far after snubbing the chance to move on loan in January.

Gilchrist is expected to stick around next season despite Chelsea’s intention to sign both a new left-back and centre-back.

Jimi Tauriainen

The 20-year-old midfielder made his debut against Leeds in the FA Cup.

An injury-hit spell since joining Chelsea has slowed his progress, but he finally made his Finland Under-21s debut this month.

He will count as a homegrown player by the summer and will target a loan move to continue his development.

Mason Burstow

Another 20-year-old who is on loan at Sunderland after making his Chelsea debut earlier this season.

Just one goal in 20 Championship appearances has seen Burstow face criticism and a difficult learning curve at the Stadium of Light.

But he remains highly regarded at Chelsea. With just one year left on his contract, his option is likely to be used and another loan sought in the summer.

Leo Castledine

Castledine signed a new contract in December and made his Chelsea debut against Middlesbrough in January.

The versatile 18-year-old midfielder could be given a loan move with his long-term future secured.

Billy Gee

The 18-year-old centre-back has been a defensive star while captaining Chelsea’s U21s to a title push and this month earned an England U19s call-up, scoring against Morocco in a 1-1 draw.

Gee then made the bench for February’s Carabao Cup final defeat by Liverpool at Wembley.

A new contract will soon be discussed, as will the option to move on loan next season.

Deivid Washington

The £17million summer signing from Santos has made two appearances for Pochettino this season while also lining up for the U21s.

He was offered to Strasbourg in both transfer windows, but they opted against taking him. An overseas loan move might be on the cards.

Best of the rest

Michael Golding has also debuted for Chelsea, and Josh Acheampong and Ollie Harrison have been unused substitutes.

All three are so young that they will likely stay with Chelsea’s U21s next season.

Dylan Williams has also been on the bench but could leave Chelsea permanently in the summer.

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