Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has talked up the importance of using as many academy players as possible in the first-team squad.
While Chelsea have not always been known for using their homegrown talent, the likes of Reece James and Mason Mount have recently progressed through the system to be regarded as world-class stars.
Some prospects, such as Marc Guehi, were sold last summer, but Tuchel has insisted that he will make every effort to offer pathways into the senior setup for the club's youngsters.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "We will always use as many academy players as possible because like I have said many times before, it makes the club very special, every club in the world very special, if you have the mix between world-class players, between big personalities from abroad and outside of the club to mix with the academy boys.
"I think that is very important for the academy boys to match the level, to realise the level of commitment of professionalism of players who come from other clubs, who bring the best of their cultures, and it is very important for our academy players and youngster to accept that mix and accept that challenge."
Tuchel has handed opportunities to various academy players this season, including forward Harvey Vale and defender Lewis Hall.
Darren Plant
