Just over a month has elapsed since Chelsea’s final Premier League game against Newcastle closed the curtains on the Blues’ worst campaign in almost a decade. A lot has happened off the pitch since then, and Chelsea are ready to put the past aside to kick off their preseason for the 2023/24 campaign under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
CFC will face Wrexham on the 19th of July in their inaugural matchup of their US Preseason tour. The encounter means more than a simple exhibition match, it is the dawn of a new beginning for Chelsea. Fans will get their first glimpse into the new look Pochettino side, and it will be the opportunity for players to impress under the new gaffer. In particular, the Chelsea youth contingent will be hoping to get the most opportunity to display their talents, as the club hopes that their recent youth-centric rebuild pays off sooner than expected.
Here are 5 young Chelsea players that deserve minutes this preseason.
5. Cesare Casadei
During the U20 World Cup in Argentina a month ago, Cesare Casadei balled out on the biggest stage of his young career so far. The 20-year-old Italian midfielder picked up both Player of the tournament and highest goal scorer with seven goals to lead Italy’s U20 side to the final.
Casadei mainly plays as a No.8 in the midfield behind the No.10 and the striker. He has great composure on the ball, and already possesses the physical frame to play at the senior level. His ability to contribute to output in the final third as a midfielder is exceptional as you’ll often see him making runs in the box and using his aerial prowess to help him finish opportunities like a No.9.
Casadei is still yet to get proper top-flight experience under his belt so this preseason will determine whether he’s ready to contribute to Chelsea now or still needs one more loan to become the final product.
4. Andrey Santos
Out of all the youngsters Chelsea have scooped up, Andrey Santos likely bears the most promise of being ready for the first team. The 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder was bought during this year’s January transfer window and was primed to feature in the first team last season. However, work permit hurdles would prolong the time to see him in blue as he would embark on a loan spell back to Brazil.
Santos would continue to impress across the shores though, particularly internationally with the youth Brazilian sides. He led Brazil to triumph in the South American U20 Championships and scored two goals in their run to the quarterfinals in the U20 World Cup.
Santos’ versatility in the midfield is hailed as despite him often featuring as the deepest lying midfielder he possesses the technicality and ability on the ball to move further up the pitch and contribute to play in the final third. That is in fact the heart of his game, his ability to contribute to the linkup and final output from midfield to attack, either through his keen eye for goal or by creating chances for his teammates.
With proper time to prove himself this preseason, Andrey Santos could be an underrated addition to this currently depleted Chelsea midfield for next season.
3. Ian Maatsen
Dutch leftback Ian Maatsen was arguably Chelsea’s best player on loan last season. The 21-year-old played a crucial part in Burnley’s 1st place finish in the EFL Championship and their promotion to the Premier League under Vincent Kompany. It has been tough for the former to fully break into Chelsea’s first team. With the acquisition of Marc Cucurella last summer along with Ben Chilwell’s presence, the depth at leftback was already sorted and hence Maatsen was sent out on loan.
However, after his performances at Burnley, Maatsen has put himself in the conversation to compete for the position. He provides more attacking options at left back then Cucurella because of his ability on the ball with his dribbling, progressive passing and ball progression becoming an asset in the buildup and the final third. His prowess in attack is shown by his 4 goals and 6 assists last season with Burnley.
Maatsen could improve defensively. His physical stature at 5’6 stifles any chances of him ranking highly in defensive metrics such as aerial duels. However according to FB ref, he did average 2.11 tackles a game along with 1.45 interceptions last season, showing his tenacity in the press and the use of his speed in keeping up with the runs of forwards. A player of Maatsen’s creativity and caliber at left back could be key next season with the injury woes of Ben Chilwell and the possible inconsistencies in form with Marc Cucurella.
2. Carney Chukwuemeka
When Chelsea bought 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022 it was widely expected that the youngster was another investment in the future, and he would go out on loan to develop. Although in hindsight he should’ve left, Chukwuemeka stayed with the first team for the entirety of last season. Chukwuemeka would only feature in 14 Premier League matches and clock in 345 minutes of action mainly from the bench during his first season with Chelsea.
His lack of game-time last season would’ve been understandable if the club were competitive but Chukwuemeka still struggled for minutes even after Chelsea’s fate as a mid-table team was already sealed. However, given the small sample size, he did impress. As an attacking midfielder there were glimpses of his talents particularly at progressing the ball, dribbling in tight spaces and creating chances with passes into the final third. This preseason will be Carney Chukwuemeka’s chance to prove he truly deserves to be with the first team, and he should arguably be the midfielder given the most time to prove so.
1. Levi Colwill
Putting Levi Colwill on this list seems like a no brainer but this upcoming season will be his first chance to truly prove himself with Chelsea. The U21 England defender’s stock has risen to the moon this past season with an impressive loan at Brighton and leading England to the U21 European championship this summer with zero goals conceded throughout the tournament. His performances have led to interest from other Premier League clubs but luckily Chelsea have recognized Colwill’s talent and have insisted he is not for sale. The club are working on a contract extension to secure the services of the 20-year-old.
Colwill is everything you want in a modern defender, especially when it comes to his capabilities with the ball at his feet and ability to kickstart attacks with his passing. Defensively he’s not the final product yet but that part of his game is improving the more senior level experience he gains. Barring any injury, this preseason will be Levi Colwill’s chance to fulfil the promise of him being the generational centre back that will lead Chelsea’s backline for years to come. The journey to that promise begins with this preseason.