A commanding 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the round of 16 saw Chelsea Under-21s start our Premier League 2 play-off campaign in emphatic fashion, as we look to go all the way to claim the title. With four different goalscorers and a clean sheet at Kingsmeadow, that result booked our place in the quarter-finals and brought us one step closer to silverware this season.

Emenalo was named in Filipe Coelho’s starting XI against Wolves and delivered an assured defensive display. Since stepping up from the Under-18s, the 17-year-old has made 12 appearances for the development squad and provided two assists. His consistency and growing maturity have made him a key figure in the side since the turn of the year.

'Our first knockout game against Wolves went really well,' Emenalo said. 'It was one of our best performances of the season. We came together as a team and showed the chemistry we’ve built on and off the pitch. Everything we’d worked on in training came through in the game and that was great to see.

'The intensity was there, just like always, but what made the difference was the belief we had. There was real confidence going into the match and you could feel that in the way we played. We all wanted to win badly and that passion really came through.

'That Wolves game couldn’t have gone any better. It gave us a big boost and we’re carrying that momentum into the quarter-finals against Crystal Palace.'

Next up is a highly anticipated away London derby against the Eagles. The two sides last met only a few weeks ago in the final game of the regular Premier League 2 season, when Chelsea secured a 4-2 win at the VBS Community Stadium. Still, Emenalo knows that previous results mean little in knockout football.

'We’re fully focused and ready for the next game,' he said. 'Training this week has been intense and consistent. That’s exactly what we need going into a match like this. We haven’t had loads of time to prepare, but playing Palace recently gives us a solid foundation.

'We always approach matches the same way, with intensity and aggression. Staying calm and focused is crucial, especially in knockout games. You only get one chance to show what you can do, so it’s important to stick to the plan. Of course we all want to reach the final, and that’s always in the back of our minds, but right now all our focus is on the next step.

'Even though we won last time, we can’t rely on that result. We know they’ll want a response. We need to match that performance and go beyond it if we want to progress. They’re a strong side and they’ll come at us with everything. We know what they’re capable of, so we’ll need to be at our best.'

Crystal Palace booked their place in the quarter-finals with a confident 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. For the Blues, victory over our London rivals would set up a semi-final clash with the winner of Fulham versus Southampton, bringing us one step closer to the title.

'Palace are a good team,' Emenalo said. 'They’ve got quality players and they’re tough to break down. With it being a London derby, it’s always going to be fiery and intense. Both teams want to win something and both will give everything to come out on top.

'We’re definitely up for the fight. We’re also excited to show our supporters what we can do. We believe in ourselves and now it’s about proving that belief when it matters most. We don’t want our journey to end here.'

This season has been a defining one for Emenalo. After signing his scholarship in the summer, he earned his first professional contract shortly after turning 17 in January. Since then, he has become a regular for the Under-21s and was recently included in Enzo Maresca’s senior matchday squad.

Emenalo was named on the bench for Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge. Although the match ended in a narrow defeat, it added further to the wealth of experience the 17-year-old is gaining this season.

'The transition has been really positive for me,' Emenalo reflected. 'I already feel I’ve developed a lot. Playing against older, stronger opponents has helped me improve quickly. Stepping up to Under-21s football has been a challenge, but I believe I’ve adapted well. That said, I’m always looking to improve and keep progressing - that’s the only way to reach the top.

'I reflect on every game. I think about what I did well and where I can grow. That mindset is key, as it shows I’m constantly striving to get better. My goal is to play senior football for Chelsea and I’m doing everything I can to get there.'

With the team now in the quarter-finals, on the verge of a potential Premier League 2 title for the first time since 2019/20, belief is growing throughout the squad.

'There's so much talent in this team,' Emenalo concluded. 'All season, Filipe has emphasised the importance of having a winning mentality. Of course, performances on the pitch matter, but a lot of football comes down to mental strength.

'You need to believe in yourself and trust your abilities. We believe we can go all the way. We’ve got a great chance. Now, it’s about staying focused and getting the job done.'