Over the last few years, it has felt like Chelsea's focus has been more on signing some of the best young talents from around the world of football than winning trophies right now. And they have been successful to a large extent. Estevao is already making an impact at Stamford Bridge. Kendry Paez and Mike Penders are out on loan. Geovany Quenda and Dastan Satpaev are set to arrive in the future.
At the same time, it would be a mistake to overlook some of the talents coming through Cobham at the moment. Shim Mhueka has been in terrific form and perhaps deserves more chances in the senior team, with the lack of options up top. On the other hand, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen is someone with a lot of hype surroundong him as well.
Enzo Maresca has openly admitted though that amongst Chelsea's Cobham talents right now, his favourite is Reggie Walsh. He has made three senior appearances for the Blues so far, with the 16-year-old making the bench in the recent Champions League game against Benfica.
There is some good news for Maresca. As reported by the Daily Mail (via The Chelsea Chronicle), Walsh will pen his first professional contract at Stamford Bridge next week.
Enzo Maresca favourite set to sign contract with Chelsea
Walsh is only 16 years old, so it should not come as a surprise that he has not played a ton of senior football yet. But he is someone who has been praised for maturity beyond his age on the pitch.
Walsh plays as a deep-lying playmaker and has shined in that role in the youth ranks. Now, it remains to be seen how his development goes from here and if he can successfully make the jump to the senior team.
Is he someone who will go directly into Chelsea's team? Or is he the kind of player who needs a loan spell somewhere first?