Praise for Abraham after Chelsea debut

Guus Hiddink praised Tammy Abraham after the teenage striker made his senior debut for Chelsea in their 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

The 18-year-old came on as a substitute at Anfield after impressing interim boss Hiddink in training.

And the Dutchman believes Abraham, who has been prolific for Chelsea at various age levels, has real potential.

“I like the guy’s attitude very much,” Hiddink declared.

“‘He is training with us every now and then. He has been with us (the first team squad) for a couple of weeks and you can see his potential.

“Of course he must grow. But that’s normal for an 18-year-old boy. He plays already physically like a man, and it’s nice to see those players coming from the academy.”

Hiddink, who this week revealed he plans to help develop young players when he leaves Chelsea this summer, is hopeful more academy products will step up to first-level at Stamford Bridge.

“The academy is delivering, and other players like Bertrand Traore have been with us for a long time,” he said.

“There are other players training with us who I would like to see more of. As soon as possible, they must step up. But it’s not easy.”