Despite Jose Mourinho having a reputation for building teams full of superstars he may adopt a different approach next season. Whilst there seems little doubt that Roman Abramovich will open his cheque-book and bring in at least one more marquee signing, there is a growing belief at the Bridge that it is time to give their youngsters a chance.
Chelsea have invested heavily in their youth system during the Abramovich era. However, the owner's insistence on winning trophies every season has hindered the progress of many from the academy. Why take a gamble on a youngster whilst the manager has a world class squad to call upon? Indeed, the last youth academy player to hold down a place as a first team regular is Chelsea captain John Terry.
This could be about to change. The financial fair play regulation means many clubs are taking a long hard look at themselves and deciding that bringing players through the youth system is a cost effective method of sustaining a clubs future.
Chelsea's policy of buying some of the best young players in Europe may begin to pay dividends in the next few years. Mourinho has already asked for a dossier on each of the teams youngsters, and whilst some of them may be shipped out on loan again, it seems likely that Romelu Lukaku, Patrick Van Aanholt, Nathan Ake, Nathan Chalobah, Kevin De Bruyne and Josh McEachran will be knocking on the first team door this season or next. Indeed, if Mourinho wants to 'put down roots' at the Bridge and has a long-term plan to build a dynasty then he could do a lot worse than taking a punt on Chelsea's youth.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG