Chelsea’s Young Talent Shine Under Enzo Maresca in Conference League
Chelsea concluded their Europa Conference League semi-final with a 1-0 win over Djurgarden, finishing the tie 5-1 on aggregate. More notably, they ended the match with six academy graduates on the pitch—five of them teenagers—highlighting the club’s growing reliance on youth.
While the competition itself might not hold the prestige Chelsea usually seeks, it has proven invaluable for the club’s young players. Coach Enzo Maresca has leaned into Cobham’s talent pool, especially since January, when injuries and a smaller squad opened opportunities for prospects like Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong.
Sixteen-year-old Reggie Walsh made history as Chelsea’s youngest European starter, impressing with a full 90-minute debut. Shumaira Mheuka, 17, also featured, continuing his rapid rise since debuting in the Premier League against West Ham.
Steve Sidwell, a former Chelsea midfielder, praised Mheuka’s maturity and skill, having coached him at Brighton. “He’s confident, intelligent, and has all the tools to succeed,” Sidwell noted.
The Stamford Bridge crowd was far more supportive this time than during past underwhelming performances, likely due to the influx of academy players and a recent upturn in results—including a win over Liverpool.
Maresca’s bold choices have paid off, blending youth development with competitive performances. Although the Champions League may present fewer chances for such experiments, the Conference League has allowed Chelsea’s next generation to flourish.
