Chelsea FC draw 1-1 with Liverpool: five talking points

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Eden Hazard of Chelsea celebrates scoring the opening goal with team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on May 11, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) /

6 of 6

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Kolo Toure of Liverpool closes down Tammy Abraham of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on May 11, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) /

5. Youth make a cameo

A constant thorn in the side of the Chelsea setup has been the reluctance to introduce members of the youth squads into the first team. The thirst for success has undoubtedly prevented some youngsters from moving up the ranks, all the way to becoming a first team contributor.

The fact that always gets brought up is John Terry being the last to make that leap, and with his impending departure, there could be no Chelsea first team player left who graduated through the ranks.

Today’s match provided a glimmer of hope for those who want to see more youngsters incorporated, with three making an appearance. Kenedy, who has prior first team experience, was brought on for Willian. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was also able to make a cameo towards the end of the game, but the most pleasing would be the introduction of Tammy Abraham.

Abraham is a Londoner who first signed on for the Blues at the U-8 level. The forward has appeared for England at two youth levels and has multiple FA Youth Cups and UEFA Youth League winners medals to his name.

Next: Should Chelsea FC (re)open their ‘Cech book’?

It will be interesting to see how incoming manager Antonio Conte manages the riches he’ll have at his disposal in terms of the young talent on the books.

Home/Premier League