Chelsea Top 5 Prospects; Number 2 Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku joined Chelsea in the summer transfer window of 2011, after impressing at Belgian club Anderlecht. He had been linked to Chelsea for many seasons before he put pen to paper, and he was already being called the next Didier Drogba. Romelu deserved this tag, as he had already racked up 39 goals and 14 assists in the Belgian top division before his 18th birthday, an impressive record. I also read a stat last week that Lukaku is the highest scoring teenager in the Premier League in 14 years, since Micheal Owen in 1994.

Romelu Lukaku signed for Anderlecht at the age of 16 from the Lierse youth team, where he scored a mind blowing 121 goals in 68 games. It came to the point over in Belgium where Lukaku was just scoring for fun, scoring 41 goals in 98 games in his Anderlecht career. This is a very impressive stat for such a young striker, which is why he got attention from big clubs all over Europe.

It wasn't just Lukaku's goal scoring ability that attracted scouts from all the top clubs - it was his stature. Lukaku stands at 6 foot 3, and weighs 14 stone, making him more than physically able to bully defenders who stand in his way. Although he is this big, Lukaku is also shockingly speedy and agile for his house-like build. That is why Chelsea signed the youngster in 2011 for a fee reported around the region of £10million (rising to £17million including add-ons).

Lukaku played his first game for Chelsea when he was subbed on for Fernando Torres in the 83rd minute in a 3-1 win at home to Norwich, a game in which we saw Juan Mata's first goal for the club. Romelu made his first start for Chelsea in a League Cup tie at home to Fulham which saw Chelsea win the game on penalties.
Lukaku spent the majority of the season playing with the reserves. Lukaku was a great prospect, but at the time it was clear that he didn't have the skill just yet to play in the Premier League. Nearly every aspect of the Belgian's game needed work on - some serious training was needed.

Because Romelu has already made appearances for both Anderlecht and Chelsea in the season, Romelu was not allowed by FIFA rules to go out on loan to a third club, which was a big shame for both the club and the player. At the time Chelsea already had Nicholas Anelka, Didier Drogba, Salamon Kalou and Fernando Torres, so it looked increasingly unlikely Romelu would feature heavily in the season ahead. It was a big shame he couldn't go out on loan, as he only racked up about 400 minutes for Chelsea. Although he was playing consistently in the reserve league, he was physically dominant to most of the younger's that he would face.

One thing that baffles me about Andre Vilas Boas's time at Chelsea was that he had Romelu training and sometimes featuring on the wing for Chelsea. I'm no tactical genius, but even I could work-out that a player of Romelu's build and playing style lied in the centre of the attack. Not only was he not having time to develop, he wasn't seeing any perks of training along-side boyhood hero, Didier Drogba.

Lukaku started his first league game for Chelsea in the last game of the domestic season against Blackburn Rovers, where he put in a man of the match performance with an assist for John Terry's opener. However, Lukaku stressed that he was disappointed with his involvement at the end of his debut season, revealing that he refused to touch the Champions League trophy as he didn't feel a winner, as he didn't contribute to the win.

After an impressive pre-season with Chelsea, the club decided that the best thing for Romelu's development was to send him on loan. Romelu joined West Bromwich Albion on August 10th 2012 on a season-long loan. Originally, I didn't think this was the best destination for the promising striker, as I didn't like the idea of the competition against the likes of Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie, as West Brom would favor their existing strikers. However, this proved to be one of the best loan-deals Chelsea had made in a while.

Lukaku has racked up 1432 minutes under ex Chelsea coach Steve Clarke at West Brom this season, as has scored 13 goala and has made 3 assists.Although these stats looks impressive, they don't tell half the story. The threat Lukaku has on the pitch for West Brom is incredible. He got off on the right foot scoring on his debut against Liverpool, and generally bullying defenders with his pace and build.

Lukaku has shown signs this season that he will be one of the world best one day. Lukaku utilises his strength when winning balls in the air, and holds up play very well. He is oozing with confidence at the moment. West Brom are free to play long balls up to the front man with confidence he will deal with them, and continue the play. His dribbling has also improved massively. I remember when I payed a close eye on Lukaku's home debut against Fulham when I was there, and he would get into great positions and win the ball, but dribble into dead areas of the pitch, or hesitate when trying to get the ball past one of the opposing defenders. Now, Romelu is challenging defenders with his first touch has led to more shots on goal for himself, and chances for his team mates.

As of late, Lukaku's immediate future has been a discussion among Chelsea fans. The majority, including myself, would keep him at Stamford Bridge without shadow of a doubt next season. We could have done with him this season, as I'm sure he would have been playing ahead of our 50-million-flop Fernando Torres. In my opinion, this lad has the potential to be the world best striker, and at the age of 19 is already one of the Premier League's best.

Chelsea Top 5 Prospects; Number 3 Nathaniel Chalobah

The number three on my list of top Chelsea prospects is the defensive minded, Nathaniel Chalobah. Chalobah has spent this season on loan at Championship high-flyers Watford, and has played an impressive 2260 minutes under boss Gianfranco Zola.

Nathaniel Chalobah has been among the ranks at Chelsea for quite a long time. Chalobah made his under 18 debut for the Blue at the tender age of 15, and made his first senior bench appearance at the same age in the Carling Cup at home to Newcastle. Since then, the Sierra-Leone-born-Englishman has been a regular in both the the under 18 and reserve teams at Chelsea, playing as either centre back, or centre midfield. Chalobah went away on a six month loan in August 2012 to Championship side, Watford, and has been doing well ever since. It was quite the aggressive loan, sending him to the Championship at the age of 17, but Chalobah has dealt with the pressures and has become a regular in the starting 11 for the hornets. Due to his impressive displays, Chelsea and Watford agreed to extending the loan agreement in January to terminate at the end of the season.

Nathaniel Chalobah has also represented the England national side at a few different age levels. He made his under 16 debut for the three lions at the age of only 13 in 2008, and by 2009 he had already progressed to the under 17 squad, aged 14. He then went on to captain England to the 2010 European Championship victory at under 17 level, aged 15. Chalobah made his under 19 debut in September 2011, and is currently the captain. Nathaniel was called up to the England under 21 squad last November for a match against Northern Ireland, coming on for Jordan Henderson in the centre midfield role in the 76th minute, aged 17.

As I said earlier, Chalobah has been impressing at Watford, and is arguably the best centre midfielder in the entire league. He has made 29 appearances for Watford to date, and has racked up an impressive 2260 minutes on the field. Although being defensively minded, Chalobah has scored an impressive four goals to date, including a lovely struck volley from the edge of the box in a 1-1 draw against Burnley, three days after his 18th birthday.

Chalobah is a composed player who doesn't take any unnecessary risks, and plays the game very safely. It does benefit him that he started his career playing as a centre back, and has taken that composure and discipline into the centre midfield role. Chalobah is very quick in the tackle, and wins a lot of aerial duels, standing at 6 foot 1. Chalobah's work rate is also something to note, as he gives his all for the full 90 minutes, never giving in.

I think if he was at Chelsea right now, he would certainly see some playing time. Earlier on I said Chalobah is arguably the best centre midfielder in the Championship at the moment, but he would easily fit into half the Premier League's midfield's at the moment. Chelsea have been low on numbers in the double pivot role, especially when John Obi Mikel was competing in the African Cup of Nations. Chalobah would fit in brilliantly there. However, taking this into account I still think it was the best option to have sent him on loan to Watford, as he starts pretty much every game.

I'm not entirely sure what I would do with Chalobah regarding next season if it was up to me. I do hope Watford get promoted, so he can stay there for another season, whilst competing in the best league in the world. It would be such a shame if they didn't, and he got loaned to another Premier League club, where he didn't see regular minutes (like Josh McEachran at Swansea).

Although I'm not sure the best option for him next season, I am sure that Nathaniel Chalobah is certainly a name to look out for, for both Chelsea and the England national side.

Chelsea Top 5 Prospects; Number 4 Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne comes in at number 4 on the top 5 Chelsea prospects list having impressed this season as Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, as well as featuring for the promising Belgian national side. 

A fee to buy Belgian Kevin De Bruye was agreed in January 2012, but we sent him back on loan to spend the remainder of the season at his current club, Genk, before joining up with his new team mates in the Summer. 

Kevin made his first team debut for Genk in a 3-0 defeat away to Charleroi in May 2009, aged 18. Kevin made a name for himself in the 2009/10 season and scored his first goal for the club in February 2010 against club rivals, Standard Liege. He scored five goals and made an impressive 16 assists in only 32 league games in this season, a season in which Genk were crowned Belgian champions. Kevin scored a hat-trick for Genk against Club Brugge which ended in a 5-4 win for Genk in October 2011, quickly becoming a fans favourite. By this time, there was very strong speculation that Kevin was being targeted by Chelsea, after playing against them in the Champions League group stage. This move happened on January deadline day 2012, although he was loaned back to Genk for the remainder of the season. The fee was believed to be in the region of £7million.
Although he was technically a Chelsea player, this didn't faze Kevin, as he still performed week in, week out for his father club. De Bruyne scored his first goal after securing his move to Chelsea in mid February against KRC Genk, as well as assisting a goal in a 2-1 victory. De Bruyne wrapped up the season by scoring on his last game for the Belgian side, finishing the season with 8 goals in 28 league , as well as 15 assists.

De Bruyne joined up with his new Chelsea team mates for the pre-season tour of the USA in the Summer of 2012. He was quoted on the Chelsea website saying "To come to a team like Chelsea is a dream but now I have to work hard to achieve the level necessary". On his pre-season debut for the blues, De Bruyne played 45 minutes in a 4-2 win at the Seattle Sounders, as well as playing the first half against PSG at the Yankees Stadium. Kevin impressed in both games, and linked up well with fellow Belgian Romelu Lukaku, but showed he would struggle to secure a starting role at Chelsea, with Eden Hazard and Juan Mata also in his favoured position - attacking midfielder.

There was never much question whether or not Kevin would get playing time after it was announced that he would spend a year's loan at German side, Werder Bremen. Kevin has played pretty much everywhere for Brememn, having featured as a striker, a number ten role, left wing, right wing and centre mid, before finding his favoured role as just behind the striker. Kevin has been very impressive in Germany, having scored six goals and making eight assists in 25 appearances. 

Bremen lost Marko Marin in the Summer to Chelsea, but in return we gave them a better player on loan. De Bruyne has tremendous confidence on the ball for someone his age, and weaves in and out of defenders on a regular basis. His passing is also very good for his age. Kevin is pretty much an all rounder, and his abilities will only get better with the more playing time he gets.

The question is, where would he fit in at Chelsea? The answer, is all around the midfield. De Bruyne can obviously play in the attacking three midfielders, along side Juan and Eden, but having competition with Victor Moses and Oscar. However, with his combination of skills, Kevin could possibly play in the deep-lying double pivot role, with his passing, vision and shooting. I'd easily choose Kevin to play in this role over Ramires. From what I have seen of him, Kevin doesn't hesitate to defend, and takes the responsibility of defending from the front.

All in all, I'm not sure where Kevin will be next season. I would keep him at Chelsea, he may not start every game but he will surely add more depth and class into this Chelsea team. Others would argue another loan move would be beneficial, especially to the Premier League for him to get used to the English style of play, but Kevin can fit into it perfectly at the moment - and the Bundesliga is pretty similar. Without doubt, Kevin is surely one to look out for in the future. 

Chelsea Top 5 Prospects; Number 5 Islam Feruz

17 year old striker Islam Feruz has caught the attention of football fans worldwide, with his spectacular displays in the Chelsea under 21 squad this season, as well as playing his part in Chelsea's success in the Youth FA Cup and becoming the youngest player to represent Scotland at under 21 level at aged only 16.

Islam Feruz was born in Kismayo, Somalia, and spent most of his youth career at Scottish side Celtic. Islam moved to London at the age of 5, before moving to Scottish city, Glasgow.
Islam was scouted by Celtic's youth coach John Simpson aged only 10 where he impressed, and was playing for the Celtic under 14 side at the tender age of 11. 

Disaster struck when Islam was 12, as his family were threatened to be deported back to his place of birth in Somalia, however youth coach Tommy Burns successfully fought their case for them to be kept in Scotland, and gain a British passport. Thankfully!

Islam continued to impress at Celtic, but this gained attention from some of the big clubs in England. It was reported that Feruz had contact with Manchester City before signing for Chelsea in September 2011 - choosing this over a professional contract at Celtic for a fee of £300,000.

Ever since his move, Islam Feruz has impressed massively at Chelsea. Islam scored on his under 18 debut at the Blues away to Portsmouth. By the end of the calender year Islam had netted six times for Chelsea, before being promoted to the reserve squad. Islam finished the season with 12 goals for the youth team and two for the reserves. Islam scored two goals in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup final in 2012, and was also the teams top scorer in the competition with five goals as Chelsea went on to win it.

Feruz decided to play for Scotland although he had no Scottish heritage, as he had been studying in Scotland for five years, and he was the first footballer to play for Scotland under this rule. Feruz was called up to the under 17 Scotland squad aged only 14, and scored on his debut against Cyprus. In April 2012, Islam was part of the Scotland under 21 team for a match against Italy, making him the youngest 'Scot' to feature for them. 

Feruz is a great player on the pitch, and is sure to be world-class in around five years time. The under 21 game seems too easy for him at the moment, and he's scoring for fun with 13 goals in 18 games in the league, and four in the Next-Gen series. 

Islam is a very fast player, who has an eye for goal as well as a pass. Standing at only 5"5, Islam doesn't win many ariel threats, but when the ball is being played on the ground he weaves in and out of defenders with his incredible agility. 

It baffles me why Feruz hasn't even seen bench time for the full squad this season. Fernando Torres is useless to say the least, and Demba Ba can't play every game. Tonight for example against Bucharest would have been a perfect game for Islam to be part of. We had four defenders on the bench, and no substitute striker - there would have been no harm with including Islam on the bench. Even if he didn't feature in the match it would have been great experience for the young lad. 

The best thing to do in my opinion is to send Islam out on loan next season to a Championship side. Watford would be a good destination, as Nathaniel Chalobah has impressed massively working under Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola. Feruz would be no short of competition however, with Vydra and Deeney scoring 34 between them.
Brighton may also be a good choice for Feruz. Brighton play nice fast flowing football, and I think he could get in ahead of Ashley Barnes and maybe even Craig Mackail-Smith.

For now, Islam will just continue to prove he is worthy of a loan move playing for the under21's. I expect him to go on tour with Chelsea in Asia, and we'll see what happens from there.