Enzo Maresca names 3 impressive Chelsea youngsters in Conference League win
- Chelsea eased to a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League on Thursday
- Enzo Maresca called upon a very youthful squad for the trip to Kazakhstan
- A trio of academy graduates were singled out by the Italian manager
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca singled out three academy graduates for praise after watching a youthful lineup secure his side's progress to the Conference League round of 16 on Thursday night.
Maresca has routinely turned to youth in Europe's third-tier club competition - only Belgian side Cercle Brugge have a younger average age in the Conference League than the Blues. The Italian fielded a particularly embryonic XI for a draining trip to Kazakhstan outfit Astana this week.
While a glut of first-team regulars remained in the relative warmth of west London, three 18-year-olds, a 19-year-old and two 21-year-olds started in sub-zero temperatures for the Blues.
Reflecting on an easy 3-1 victory, Maresca hailed the performances of Chelsea's academy graduates in midweek. "I'm also happy for the young players who helped us win the game," the former Leicester boss beamed. "I was impressed by all of them. The ones who started, Tyrique [George], Sam [Rak-Sakyi] and Josh [Acheampong] all did very good.
"So I'm very happy for them and the ones that came on in the second half - I'm pleased."
18-year-old Tyrique George was a persistent threat down Chelsea's left flank, while fellow teenager Samuel Rak-Sakyi lasted 86 minutes in an energetic midfield alongside Carney Chukwuemeka and relative veteran, 26-year-old Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Before considering his performance, Josh Acheampong's mere involvement was noteworthy. The highly rated right-back was exiled from first-team activities this season after refusing to sign a contract extension, inspiring surprise interest from Real Madrid. However, Acheampong returned to training last month as a new deal appears close.
Shumaira Mheuka (17), Harvey Vale (21), Ato Ampah and Kiano Dyer (both 18) came off the bench in a goalless second half.
Maresca also found time to praise Marc Guiu. The 18-year-old who arrived from Barcelona over the summer scored twice in the opening 20 minutes to effectively end the tie as a contest. "Marc is doing well," the Chelsea boss noted. "Since we started he has been working hard.
"We have Nicolas Jackson and Christo Nkunku who are doing well, but when he had the chance today, Marc played in the right way."
Guiu's goals extended Chelsea's perfect record in the Conference League league phase to five straight wins and guaranteed passage into the round of 16. The Blues face Irish top-flight runners-up Shamrock Rovers in their final European tie of 2024 at Stamford Bridge on 19 December.
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