Nathaniel Chalobah hails 'amazing' journey from Chelsea ball boy to first-team football under Antonio Conte

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Sam Long17 October 2016

Nathaniel Chalobah says it was "amazing" to make his senior home debut for Chelsea after starting out at Stamford Bridge as a ball boy.

Chalobah joined Chelsea in 2005 and has successfully progressed through the Blues' youth academy.

However, the 21-year-old has had to wait patiently for game time at Chelsea after enduring several loan spells away from his parent club.

But the England Under-21 international has finally forced his way into the first-team picture under Antonio Conte and came off the bench to create Chelsea's third goal in a convincing 3-0 win over Premier League champions Leicester.

Chelsea have a history of failing to bring youth players through to first-team level but Chalobah is delighted to make the grade, having watched players of old from the sidelines.

"I used to be ball boy here when I was a bit younger and it was amazing today to step on the field with a full stadium," he told Chelsea TV.

"I knew what the manager wanted off me.

"I knew it was a responsibility I needed to take on board and I came in and tried to give the team a bit of stability."

Chalobah's progress under Conte is admirable given that he appears to have jumped above both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas in the pecking order.

Chelsea climbed to fifth place in the table with victory over the Foxes and Chalobah will be hopeful he done enough to merit another appearance when the Blues host Manchester United next weekend.

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