Chelsea Youth 2011 – Josh McEachran & Jeffrey Bruma

 

The last twelve months has finally seen the emergence of two young players that for the first time in a generation that seem to have a real shot at claiming and holding down a regular spot in the Chelsea first team.
2010 was a breakout year for Jeffrey Bruma and Josh McEachran gaining international recognition, McEachran featuring for the England under 21 side whilst Bruma made his full international debut for Holland.

The pair also played in the side that won the FA Youth Cup with Jeffrey Bruma scoring a free kick in the first leg of the final with a composed free kick.

Both players are now featuring regularly within the first team squad with both having started in cup games but the Dutchman having made a league start as well.

Jeffrey Bruma Starts In The Premier League
The last few months have seen Bruma rise up the defensive pecking order due to the injuries/suspensions of key players, however he did have the indignity of being behind Paulo Ferreria in the queue to play at centre back although Ferreria put paid to this with a terrible display against Sunderland.

Bruma made his landmark first Premier League start against Aston Villa and the eighteen year old had a generally composed performance despite being at fault for allowing Emile Heskey to score Villa’s second goal.

Josh McEachran England International In The Making
Despite the inclusion of Bruma in a Premier League starting XI it has been McEachran who has really excited the fans I have spoken to with his talent.

The midfielder has had two performances that highlight his talent, the first been as a substitute against Newcastle where he was the driving force behind a comeback from two goals down, even if the Blues ended up losing the match his performance was the highlight.

The second was last week against Ipswich where he started and showed his true skill set, the youngster keeps it simple but he gets it right, win the ball, give the ball to someone else in Blue and move to look to receive the ball again.

It may be a bit early to make such brash statement but his composure on the ball and skills mean that he looks like a future England international to me.

What will the future hold?
I think both of Chelsea’s teenage players will be looking to develop on an amazing 2010, by making continuing to make strides in the first team squad and providing back up to the first team and learning there trade.

Ideally neither should be required to start at this stage of there careers but the FA Cup and next season the Carling Cup should be automatic starts for both players mixed in with a smattering of first team performances dependant on the situation.

The future is bright, the future is McEachran!