da supremo： Antonio Conte has finally arrived in West London to take charge of Chelsea, as another new era dawns for the Blues.
da betsson： The Italian manager has a pre-season to reduce the first team squad size, which currently stands at 51, bring in world class new talent and, perhaps most importantly, begin utilising the incredible young talent on offer at the club.
The latter of these three key changes that Conte will have to implement is bound to be a challenge. With such an extraordinarily large first team squad, chances will be few and far between for the Blues young stars.
However, the talent in the academy and development squads is unmatched in this country and would likely rival any European academy.
Here are the five Chelsea starlets to give Antonio Conte food for thought…
Nathaniel Chalobah
At just 21 years of age, Nathaniel Chalobah has already played in the league for six professional clubs, incredibly not one of those clubs is Chelsea, the team he has been contracted to since 2005.
Chalobah is now reaching the stage of his career where serious choices need to be made regarding his future. Game time at Stamford Bridge is essential this year in order for the England U21 international to progress.
Conte may be the perfect coach to bring the best out of Chalobah, who is a hard-working, versatile midfielder, who operated superbly in both attacking and defensive scenarios.
Dominic Solanke
After scoring an incredible 41 goals for Chelsea’s U21 side in 2014-15, Dominc Solanke spent last season on loan with Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie, impressing with seven goals and a number of impressive, mature performances.
Solanke still has yet to make a league appearance for the Blues and may be forced into another loan spell for the coming season. However, should the 18-year-old impress Conte with his work rate, footwork and lightning pace, he may feature at Stamford Bridge next campaign.
Ola Aina
Having made a swift rise through the Chelsea Academy, 19-year-old Ola Aina featured in a handful of first team games last season and didn’t look out of place amongst some of Europe’s best talents.
Last week, the defender signed a new deal with the club, ensuring he remains at Chelsea until 2020. The offer of a new deal indicates just how highly Antonio Conte and the staff at Cobham rate Aina.
Tammy Abraham
Standing at 6ft3 and possessing plenty of confidence, it is hard to believe that Tammy Abraham is only 18-years-old.
The gifted striker has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Europe at youth team levels, scoring an incredible 74 goals in 98 matches across all competitions and age groups.
Abraham featured twice for the first team last season and will look to continue to establish himself in the Conte regime.
Matt Miazga
Matt Miazga featured twice for the Chelsea first team last season and looked largely comfortable on the ball, with a few understandable nervous errors too.
The defender was a revelation in the MLS, which prompted his move to the Bridge last season.
At just 20, Miazga has a bright future ahead of him and will have every chance to make a name for himself with Antonio Conte, especially as the Blues back-line is ageing fast.