What next for Chelsea’s graduates?

The Rest

The rest of the pack are all at very different stages of their development. Dominic Solanke should be in the above list, but has fallen to the worst poison of youth football; greed. Whether him, or his family, he has seemingly ruined his Chelsea career by demanding £40,000 a week. If rumours are to be believed, he’s on his way to Liverpool. A true goalscorer but one that needs to focus on the game.

The likes of Isaiah Brown and Ola Aina would do well to spend a year more in the Championship, racking up minutes and learning the tricks of the trade in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. Of course, if Brown’s Huddersfield get promoted, there may be a place for him in the Premier League next season. Talented boys that need experience.

The international stars of previous Chelsea academy sides – alongside Aké – Andreas Christensen and Bertrand Traoré have enjoyed immense loan spells on the continent. Christensen has become one of the best young defenders in the Bundesliga, with Borussia Monchengladbach, and will be welcomed back to Chelsea like a new signing after two years away. Many believe he’s ready to slot straight into Conte’s defence.

Traoré had a few chances last season, with 4 goals in 16 appearances, and has long been considered the brightest gem of Chelsea’s youth setup. A star player for Ajax this year, Traoré has managed 11 goal in 31 matches, despite battling injury and being played out on the wing. Could very easily come back to Chelsea as a squad player but with match practice at a high level, maybe the Burkina Faso international could have a similar rise to that of Rashford and M’Bappé. Very much a star in the making.