RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesXabi Alonso speaking to (from left to right) Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, Cole Palmer, Landon Emenalo and Reggie Walsh [Getty Images]
Seven academy players have been taken on Chelsea's pre-season tour - and will be looking to impress new boss Xabi Alonso.
The Blues are travelling with a 26-man squad to train under Alonso in Australia, where they will face Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham.
Almost all of the academy players have been with the first team throughout Alonso's first two weeks in charge, featuring in behind-closed-doors friendly wins against Crawley Town and Bromley.
However, they could return to London during the Asian leg of the tour if players involved at the World Cup rejoin the squad.
BBC Sport takes a look at the young players hoping to make an impact and break into a star-studded, perhaps oversized, Chelsea squad.
Landon Emenalo
According to several observers, the 18-year-old son of former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo has been the breakout star so far.
Emenalo is said to have played more minutes than any other player in the first two matches, operating at left-back, although he previously played primarily in midfield. He has effectively filled the void left by Marc Cucurella following his move to Real Madrid.
Emenalo first trained with Chelsea's first team under Mauricio Pochettino in 2023 and is now working under his fourth permanent manager.
He has carried out extensive video analysis of Alonso's methods in a bid to impress and, like many other footballers, took part in a post-season training camp organised by his agency.
In a video for the camp, he said: "I hope I can make my mark on the first team and leave a good impression. Then, for the season in general, I think I need to be playing in a professional environment because I think I have played enough youth football for a lifetime."
Emenalo is arguably the most first-team-ready academy player at Cobham yet to make his Chelsea debut and has a strong chance of featuring in front of crowds in Australia.
Calvin Diakite
Diakite, who turned 17 in April, is the youngest defender involved with Chelsea's first-team squad.
He is often compared to Marc Guehi. While not the tallest defender, he is an excellent athlete and is particularly strong in one-on-one situations and when playing out from the back.
Chelsea describe him as a vocal defender and he has been recognised for his leadership throughout his youth career.
Eligible to represent Ivory Coast internationally, London-born Diakite grew up idolising Yaya Toure.
Tayo Subuloye
Subuloye, 18, is a centre-back like Diakite but is taller and more powerful.
Another player praised for his leadership, he captained Chelsea Under-18s to end-of-season success with a 5-1 victory over Manchester City in the national final.
Arguably the least written about of the group, Subuloye joined Chelsea from Brighton at the age of 12.
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli
Nicoll-Jazuli is the second-youngest player on the tour at just 16 years old, although his physical presence belies his age.
The youngster became the youngest-ever starter and goalscorer in the Uefa Youth League last season and has consistently played above his age group thanks to his outstanding athleticism. He is developing into a high-energy, technically gifted midfielder in the mould of Cobham graduate Mason Mount.
His involvement on the tour represents something of a homecoming. His mother is Australian and he is eligible to represent Australia, France and England. He currently plays for England at youth level.
Alonso said: "He is one of those talented players that comes from the academy. I am really impressed with him. Mahdi is one of the talents that we need to develop as he has special qualities that you don't often see for a 16-year-old.
"He is a dynamic player, can pass short and dribble in the middle. He has made a good impression so far."
Chelsea are delighted to have secured Nicoll-Jazuli's long-term future, with a new contract set to be signed when he turns 17 in January. The club faced competition from leading French sides.
Reggie Watson
Watson, 16, is the youngest player on the tour and, like several of Chelsea's academy prospects, looks older than his age thanks to his tall and powerful frame.
The midfielder is the son of former Premier League player Ben Watson and shares many of his father's physical and footballing attributes.
His height makes him a threat in the penalty area from both open play and set-pieces at youth level, while he is another player to have represented England in the youth age groups.
Reggie Walsh
Having already made four first-team appearances for Chelsea, it is no surprise that Walsh is part of the tour squad.
Walsh made his debut at the age of 16 and, with his youthful appearance, it felt remarkable to see him playing European football just days before sitting his GCSE exams.
He became Chelsea's youngest-ever player in European competition and later the club's youngest player to feature in the Champions League when he faced Ajax last season.
Walsh has spent the summer working on his physical development and impressed by winning the bleep test, an endurance-based fitness challenge, ahead of several senior players.
Walsh is technically gifted, carries a goal threat and is comfortable in possession.
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, 17, made his Chelsea debut last season and is another academy player being strongly backed by the club.
He is the only attacking player from the academy included in the tour squad but his pace, power and determination suggest he is already capable of competing in senior football.
Kavuma-McQueen scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 26 appearances across Chelsea's various youth age groups last season.
He also made headlines by scoring four goals for England Under-17s against Germany.
Chelsea worked hard to retain the forward, particularl...
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