THOMAS TUCHEL named three academy stars in his starting line-up to face Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final – and they played a big part in sending Chelsea through to the semis.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing for Chelsea with Tuchel calling on his big guns to finally break the deadlock.
Jorginho, Christian Pulisic, Reece James, Mason Mount, and N’Golo Kante were all summoned from the bench to make sure Chelsea did the job and got the win.
The academy boys, though, did themselves absolutely proud and Harvey Vale was the standout.
The 18-year-old forward looks to have it all about him – skill, pace, intelligence, creativity and most of all he has the physicality to compete in the Premier League now.
Vale actually lasted until midway through the second half and can absolutely hold his head high, as can Xavier Simons and Jude Soonsup-Bell.
But in the end Tuchel decided that he needed the experience and quality of his superstars who he had rested from the start – and they made the difference needed.
Reece James hit a lovely cross after some great work from Kante to eventually lead to the own-goal from Pontus Jansson.
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And then some bright work from Pulisic won Chelsea a late penalty, which Jorginho duly converted.
Chelsea were without nine first team players due to Covid-19 and injury, so winning this game with three teenage academy debutants on the field will be a massive result for Tuchel and the team.
During a time when they had hit a bit of a slump and then got hit by Covid, the Blues really needed a good performance and a good win.
And they certainly delivered that using a perfect blend of youth and experience.
Tuchel’s decisions to start some youth paid off, and his decision to introduce some experience later on in the game also worked a treat.
It was a great night for Chelsea against a team who had near enough their full strength side out.
Tuchel has proved once again that he is ready to trust the youth at this club and has set up a mouthwatering semi-final clash against Tottenham.
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