Antwi and his Chelsea Under-21s team-mates return to Premier League 2 action on Saturday morning, hosting Stoke City at Kingsmeadow as we look to get back to winning ways in our league campaign.

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The 2025/26 season may only be in its early stages, but the Swedish youth international has wasted no time in making his mark. The 18-year-old right-back has been laying strong foundations in Calum McFarlane’s side, showing signs of both consistency and development.

A Chelsea Academy player since his Under-12s days, Antwi has steadily worked his way through the ranks at Cobham. Now he is establishing himself as an important part of the group, with appearances across all competitions and his first goal of the campaign arriving in the UEFA Youth League.

‘We’ve had a strong start,’ Antwi reflects. ‘The group feels really united and we’re playing with confidence. I think we can achieve a lot this year.’

For Antwi, the past few weeks have been about more than just results. He has been working hard on his own game, both defending with consistency and making an impact higher up the pitch.

‘Game-by-game I feel like I’m improving,’ he explains. ‘I’ve been getting on the score sheet, adding assists - that’s where I want my game to be as a right-back.

'Defending comes first, of course, but helping the team in attack is something I’ve been focused on. Any time you create a goal or score one, it feels like a reward for the work you’re putting in.’

New Under-21s head coach McFarlane has also been a positive influence on the squad this season. He has helped the group get off to a flying start and shown that he understands them not only as players, but as people beyond the football pitch.

‘I think I can speak for the squad when I say we all really value Calum,’ Antwi continues. ‘He’s built a really positive environment.

'The staff around him are thoughtful too. They remind us about recovery and how to handle the busy schedule. It makes a difference when you know the people around you care.’

The season has also brought milestones away from Cobham. During the September international break, Antwi made his debut for Sweden Under-21s and even earned a first start.

‘It was a proud moment,’ he smiles. ‘Representing your country is always special, and my family were so proud.

'International football is a different kind of challenge and it develops you in new ways. Getting that taste makes me hungry for more call-ups, and hopefully one day the senior team.’

Shortly after came another highlight - signing a new three-year deal with Chelsea, with the option of two more.

‘It felt great,’ he says. ‘Looking back on the hard work I’ve put in, it’s nice to see it paying off. My family were buzzing. My mum and siblings were so proud.

'To wear the Chelsea badge is a privilege and I don’t take it for granted. The standards here are so high, so you’ve got to give everything every day.’

European football has provided another stage for Antwi to impress. His first Youth League goal came in a thrilling 3-2 win over Bayern Munich, where he also added an assist.

‘I loved playing in the Youth League,’ he says. ‘Bayern have one of the best academies in the world, so to score against them was special.

'It was a brilliant team move too – the ball bobbled to me, I lifted it over my man, linked with Leo [Cardoso], then finished at the near post. I don’t score many, so that one felt extra special.’

Attention now turns back to the Premier League 2, with Stoke the visitors to Kingsmeadow this weekend. After a frustrating defeat last time out against Ipswich Town, Antwi and his team-mates are determined to respond.

‘I’m ready for the next game,’ he says. ‘For me it’s about preparing properly and making sure we’re focused on getting three points.

'Playing at Kingsmeadow is brilliant. The fans give us so much energy and it’s special to see people coming to back the Academy as well as the first team.

‘If I had a message to them, it would be that we’ll give everything. You’ll see energy, hard work and a team fighting for the win.

'Personally, I’ll be looking to contribute in attack, stay solid at the back, and help us get the result.’

All season ticket holders, members and supporters under the age of 20 can claim a free ticket to the game here until midday on Friday, while the match will also be available to watch live for free on the Chelsea Official App and website.