5 Chelsea Youngsters Who Could Make Their First Team Breakthroughs in 2018/19
For Chelsea fans, the hope of seeing a young player breakthrough is something that quickly fades once the season kicks off.
Although they will be given cameo roles in the domestic cups and dead rubber European ties; youth players at Chelsea have found the door slammed shut in their face since Roman Abramovich's arrival in 2003.
Despite the absolute delight and gratitude fans have towards the Russian billionaire's investment at Stamford Bridge, there is a growing sense of hunger to see Chelsea's wealth of young talent be given an opportunity.
Might this finally be the year where Chelsea break old habits. Here are five youngsters best placed to force their way into Maurizio Sarri's plans this season...
5. Charly Musonda
After making three appearances for Chelsea last season, 21-year-old Belgian starlet Musonda was sent on loan to Celtic where Brendan Rodgers seemed equally unwilling to give the young winger a chance. However, despite his troubles breaking through into any first team so far Musonda could prove useful to Sarri in 2018/19.
With a system that will rely heavily on wide players with pace going forward, the Belgium Under-21 star should use his minutes in pre-season to showcase his ability.
Musonda scored a great individual goal in the EFL Cup in one of his only appearances last term. If he does similar again, Sarri might keep him around - particularly as cover if Real Madrid-linked Eden Hazard does move on.
4. Tammy Abraham
Loan moves to Bristol City and Swansea have highlighted the dynamic striker's abilities.
He may have only hitting the net five times for Swansea in 2017/18, but context matters in what was a horrendous campaign for the Welsh club.
Coming off the bench to replace Alvaro Morata against Perth in the first pre-season friendly, Abraham impressed more than his Spanish teammate.
Using his physicality, pace and natural goalscoring talent, Abraham - who has a total of two Chelsea first team appearances to his name - could avoid the loan treatment if Morata is sold and a first team place becomes available.
He is also of course already a full England international, but whether that will impress Sarri remains to be seen.
3. Ethan Ampadu
Arguably the closest you'll get at Chelsea to a 'breakthrough' last year.
Ampadu played himself into contention in the winter months of last season with impressively mature displays against Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle in the domestic cup competitions.
Sadly, that was the extent of his opportunity. Though its undeniable how naturally gifted Ampadu is with a ball at his feet and awareness for a defender of his age.
Already an international, Chelsea might have a gem on their hands and the Europa League should be Ampadu's time to develop.
2. Callum Hudson-Odoi
You just have to gaze briefly over Chelsea's social media fandom to grab a glimpse of the excitement over Hudson-Odoi.
The winger's performance against Perth only strengthened arguments for him to be a first team squad player. His skill and flair are aesthetically pleasing but its his direct nature to beat players that gets fans off their seats.
New assistant coach Gianfranco Zola has reportedly convinced Sarri to promote him from youth level and no Chelsea fan would argue with the club legend's recommendation.
1. Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Its simply now or never for Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea.
The 22-year-old eight-cap England international midfielder's meteoric rise at Palace earned him a place in the Three Lions squad in Russia and he surely deserves his chance to play on a regular basis for his boyhood club.
With a 4-3-3 now being reinstated at Stamford Bridge, Loftus-Cheek has the perfect standing to make one of those midfield roles his own.
If Chelsea shun Loftus-Cheek like many other youth talents, he will leave and the club will pay the price as a rival benefits off of their homegrown player.