CHELSEA’S KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
CHARLIE BROWN
POSITION: FORWARD AGE: 20
SPIKY forward led the line in the West Country and never gave the Pirates’ first-team central defensive pairing a minute’s rest.
Refused to be bullied and seized upon a mistake to score a brilliant, opportunist goal.
Has a left foot and close control to die for. A real box of tricks. Physically, has some growing to do, but a genuine first-team prospect.
VERDICT: It may be asking a lot of Brown, who celebrated his 20th birthday this week, to make the step up to the Premier League right now, but he’s ripe for a loan move and, with another 12 months’ development, Lampard could have a proper goal threat on his hands.
GEORGE McEACHRAN
POSITION: MIDFIELDER AGE: 19
WON the Under-17 World Cup with England and is the younger brother of ex-Blues trainee Josh.
Asked to play a holding role at the Memorial Stadium, the 19-year-old kept play ticking over, with a selection of neat little flicks and short passes.
Looked more effective late on when pushed further forward.
Was constantly shoving some of his more senior colleagues around the pitch and showed fledgling leadership qualities.
VERDICT: Very much in the mould of Jody Morris and Dennis Wise. Small, plenty to say – and can play. Physically, he needs to beef up a bit to cope at the top level. For the moment, however, he’s worth persevering with.
DYNEL SIMEU POSITION: DEFENDER AGE: 17
PLAYED for Chelsea’s youth team while still at school – and it’s easy to see why. The best defenders take no risks and, in that regard, Simeu appeared old beyond his years.
Another scouted via trial, Simeu looked like an old-fashioned centre-half on this display against seasoned League One opponents. He has only just signed as a professional, but if he continues to keep it simple and adds to his experience with firstteam exposure in the next two years the sky could be the limit.
VERDICT: Hard to believe this stopper is just 17 – could be a monster when he finishes growing. One to watch, absolutely.
TARIQ LAMPTEY
POSITION: DEFENDER AGE: 18
POCKET ROCKET of a rightback, who loves bombing forward – possibly more than he loves defending.
Made a mistake early on, but recovered well and is clearly brimming with confidence.
Pushed miles up the pitch and combined well on the right flank – Chelsea’s most dangerous threat all night.
Another who has been with the club since the age of seven and another England international. Overplayed in the wrong areas once or twice, but caught the eye with his pace.
VERDICT: If he can improve upon his defensive quality he has got every chance with his athleticism.
Maybe not for a year or two though, due to his size.
CLINTON MOLA
POSITION: MIDFIELDER AGE: 18
SPOTTED playing grassroots football in London and signed after a trial – proving Chelsea do more than just throw money at the recruitment of youth players.
Mola impressed alongside George McEachran.
An England youth international, the midfielder is tall for an 18-year-old, but his rangy appearance does not disguise his ability.
Happy to carry the ball and displays good decision-making. He stood up well against experienced opponents.
VERDICT: Whisper it quietly, but Mola gave a display of understated power. If he continues to progress it is not too much of a leap to see him being a midfield force at Chelsea.