From Beever-Jones to Thompson: Analyzing Chelsea Women’s youngsters on loan

With more time under Scott Booth, Thompson should be able to play a full 90 minutes for the first time in the top line. Due to her scoring record in the past, goals are on the horizon for Thompson, and while her future may not be at Chelsea, this could be an audition for any club in the future that might want to utilize her talents in the WSL.

Not all of Chelsea’s younger crop of players will have the opportunity to shine this season. One of the Blues’ signings of the summer, Lucy Watson was supposed to spend her 2022/23 campaign with Charlton Athletic, but she, unfortunately, tore her ACL in training, forcing her to come back to Chelsea to rehab. Watson should be on track for a WSL loan next season despite the setback, after contributing at a high level in the Championship with Sheffield United in the previous campaign.

While some players’ futures may not be at Kingsmeadow, this season is a chance for these talented young stars to show Hayes what the future at CFC looks like. Just like in the men’s team, finding a way through the academy system and into a first-team role with the Blues is an extremely difficult task. With new extensions signed for many of the west Londoners’ most crucial players just before the season, all these loanees should feel the desire to take their games to new heights in a new league in 2022/23. For players in the academy still waiting for their chance at professional football, this year’s group of going out on loan could set the precedent for the importance of the women’s academy at Chelsea.