Antonio Conte has vowed to continue giving opportunities to Chelsea’s bright young things after naming five academy graduates on the bench for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Leicester.
Full-back Ola Aina made his Premier League debut when he replaced Victor Moses in the 82nd minute whilst Nathaniel Chalobah made his Stamford Bridge bow over six years after first being named on a Chelsea substitutes bench at 15 years of age.
Chalobah made an immediate impact, providing a flamboyant backheeled flick for Moses goal, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek also appeared from the bench. Dominic Solanke and, at the other end of the age scale, John Terry were not called upon.
Chelsea have long been criticised for failing to provide a pathway from their all-conquering youth sides, who have been crowned European champions in the past two seasons, to the first team but Conte intends to change that.
The Chelsea players out on loan
“People who know me will know I don't gift a place to anyone,” Conte said. “Only those who deserve to play will play for me. It is important for Chalobah and Aina to understand this.
“When I have called Chalobah he has always answered me in a positive way. If they are ready I will put them in.
“In the future they can play from the start. Age is not important. I made my first appearance in Serie A at only 16.”
Chelsea’s young players could be given another opportunity to stake their case for a starting role next week when the Blues travel to the London Stadium for an EFL Cup clash with West Ham.
