Ranking Chelsea youngsters’ performances at the U20 World Cup

4. Gabriel Slonina

Gabriel Slonina and Team USA’s U20 World Cup started flawlessly, with three wins and three clean sheets in the group stage. In the Round of 16, the US would thrash New Zealand 4-0, making it four clean sheets in a row for Slonina. However, in the quarterfinals the U.S would suffer a defensive disaster in a 2-0 loss against Uruguay. Up until the quarterfinal, Slonina was having a fantastic tournament and the two goals he conceded against Uruguay were not clearly his fault, one being an own goal.  Overall, he displayed his ability as a great shot stopper and at 6 foot 4 he already has the physical frame to be a top goalkeeper. Given the current uncertainty in the keeper position for Chelsea and the rumors of a new first choice keeper purchase being a priority, Slonina would benefit from a loan to a mid-table Premier League or a Championship side.

5. Bashir Humphreys

Bashir Humphreys started all of England’s games predominantly as a left centre back until their elimination in the round of 16 to Italy. Overall, Humphreys was decent defensively and even managed to score a header in England’s second group stage win against Uruguay. It’s obvious why he’s been relied on for England at the youth level. Not only is he an imposing figure physically, he’s also been praised for his leadership abilities at such a young age. Humphreys also impressed on loan at Bundesliga 2 side SC Paderborn 02. Although realistically he could be due for another loan to further develop, he could definitely be a key piece in the future for squad depth in CFC’s defense.