Chelsea’s Under-23s, largely made up of the club’s FA Youth Cup-winning squad, got their first taste of competitive senior football in 2-1 defeat to Swindon in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday. Here’s how we rated the Blues youngsters at the County Ground.
Perhaps a bit caught out for Swindon’s second goal. Booked for something he said to the officials, and also ended the match hobbling around, although still had enough in him to make saves from Darnell Furlong and Jonathan Obika.
Just 16, but looked solid defensively, making a couple of timely interceptions in front of his own goal to prevent good chances. Also got forward well, particularly when Chelsea switched to a back three in the second half.
Looked confident in the first half whenever he was pressed into action, but was outjumped by Nathan Delfouneso for Swindon’s second goal – a physical lesson Adi Viveash will hope his side learn from this competition.
Given he was the only member of the side with first-team experience – albeit 30 minutes against Leicester on the final day of last season – he surprisingly struggled against the more mobile Jermaine Hylton.
Captained the side and did well defensively against Swindon’s QPR loanee Furlong, and knew when to support the attack.
Put in some good tackles and was, for the most part, neat and tidy on the ball. Replaced by Mukhtar Ali with 15 minutes to go.
Linked up well with the players around him in midfield, but went off midway through the second half after picking up an injury, replaced by Martell Taylor-Crossdale.
Put in some great crosses, although occasionally didn’t offer convincing support to right-back Sterling. He moved into a more advanced role when Chelsea switched formation just before the hour mark, and was very effective.
An eye-catching display from the 17-year-old, who looked very comfortable on the ball. Hit two terrific shots from distance in either half, one which crashed off the underside of the bar and another which dipped in front of the keeper, forcing an untidy save.
Set up Ali’s terrific consolation goal with a lovely lay-off and wasn’t afraid to have a pop at goal himself. Busy and with a great touch.
Struggled in the lone striker’s role against stronger defenders, although the service into him wasn’t particularly helpful. Replaced by Joseph Colley on 57 minutes.
The Swedish centre-half came on when Chelsea switched to a back three shortly before Swindon’s second goal.
The youngest of those who featured – he was born on Boxing Day 1999 – the striker didn’t look overawed playing at this age group for the first time.
A brief cameo, but stole a bit of Mount’s thunder by ensuring the talking point will be his terrific strike from more than 25 yards.
This post was last modified on 14/09/2016