AFTER months of talk about Chelsea academy graduates leaving the club, it seems Blues enthusiasts may have a reason to get excited.
Teenager Tyrique George was given the chance to impress in the United States thanks to new boss Enzo Maresca this summer.
Here’s a look at Chelsea’s full tour of the United States:
RESULTS
LIGHTNING
Not only was the 18-year-old winger included in the traveling squad for pre-season, but he was also a strong starter in the opening match against Wrexham at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
George was appointed to the bench by Mauricio Pochettino three times in Premier League games last season, but never arrived.
So, unlike the Welsh team in California, this is their first genuine opportunity to show what they are capable of, and there is a lot to enjoy.
Despite his age, the left winger was confident and calm on the ball, looking to take on the defender in front of him and make anything happen.
Some problems were made, others were not, but in the forty-five minutes he gave in the first half, George never hid.
He said: “I’m very excited and it’s another big step in my career. It’s a very smart experience. “
“I’ve been at Chelsea since I was 8 years old, so to have the chance to play for the first time in the first team, with players I saw on TV not too long ago, is very special. “
The players he saw on television were impressed.
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George has been in the center of the United States, participating in extremely demanding situations with more experienced teammates at the end of the sessions.
Noni Madueke has long been a fan and supporter of George, inspired by his 14-goal, 10-assist return to Chelsea’s youth teams last season.
His winger partner has been one of the youngster’s few players looking to impress Maresca.
Veteran Raheem Sterling has worked hard to get George to adapt and work hard at this level, while former Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is also a close friend.
George said: “When you’re new to the group it helps to have someone like Raheem give you recommendations when he’s been betting at the top for so many years.
“Having the chance to play with all those more level-headed players has been good. You will receive new information every day from very experienced players. ”
On the United States track, academy graduate Levi Colwill provided the voice for George, while Christopher Nkunku also looked after him.
The English under-18 player has been part of the Blues academy since he was 8 years old and was born in London to Nigerian parents.
Porters:
Robert SanchezMarcus BettinelliEddie BeachLucas Bergstrom
Defenders:
Reece JamesMalo GustoJosh AcheampongWesley FofanaAxel DisasiTosin AdarabioyoBenoit BadiashileLevi ColwillBen ChilwellRenato Veiga
Midfielder:
Carney ChukwuemekaRomeo LaviaLesley UgochukwuKiernan Dewsbury-HallAndrey Santos
Fronts:
Nicolas JacksonChristopher NkunkuRaheem SterlingMykhailo MudrykNoni MaduekeArmando BrojaTyrique GeorgeMarc GuiuAngelo
Notable absences:
(International)
Cole Palmer
Conor Gallagher
Enzo Fernandez
Marc Cucurella
(Set aside before a loan/sale imaginable)
Romelu Lukaku
Omari Kellyman
Alfie Gilchrist
Bashir Humphreys
Cesar Casadei
David Datro Fofana
Washington Deivid
Djordje Petrović
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