Our young Blues return to league competition after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Kingsmeadow last time out. With five different goal scorers on the score sheet, it marked a third consecutive Premier League 2 win and reinforced the strong momentum building within the group.

We were due to face Birmingham City away from home in our most recent fixture, but that match was postponed. Now, full focus turns to welcoming Leeds United, who currently sit towards the lower end of the table after recording four wins, two draws and seven defeats so far this season.

With momentum firmly on our side, we caught up with Academy defender Emenalo to gain insight into the mood within the camp ahead of the next test. Sitting just one point behind league leaders Ipswich Town with a game in hand, Friday presents an opportunity to climb into top spot.

‘I’m feeling good,’ the 18-year-old began. ‘Training has been intense the last couple of days, really physical, but that’s what gets us ready for the fixture. We know Leeds will be a tough, physical side, so I think we’re prepared as best as we can be for them.

‘Our energy is high all the time in training. Harry [Hudson] has made sure we’ve been sharp again. We train how we want to play in matches. There’s been a lot of physical work, tactical drills and competitive small-sided games. It’s good as that intensity keeps us ready for Friday.

‘We have to match the physical and mental side of the game. You can’t shy away from it because that’s when sides punish you. For me personally, I’ve been doing a lot of work off the pitch. From recovery sessions, strength work - just giving my all in everything I do.’

Emenalo has been a consistent presence since the start of the 2025/26 campaign, featuring predominantly for the Under-21s, although being only 18, the defender remains eligible to represent our Under-18s side.

So far this season, he has made 19 appearances for the Under-21s, alongside six outings in the UEFA Youth League - one of the most prestigious competitions in Academy football - and three appearances in the FA Youth Cup for the Under-18s. The opportunity to compete across multiple competitions has played a significant role in his development.

‘I feel like I’ve really developed this season by gaining experience against different sides,’ he explained. ‘It’s been a good challenge mentally, but also physically on my body. Playing in a busy schedule prepares us for senior football and the demands that come with it.

‘Every game you learn something that helps you develop and progress further. We reflect, work on those reflections in training and now the focus is fully on the next one.’

Our Under-21s have been in excellent form this season and currently sit second in the Premier League 2 table, having recorded 10 wins. Recent victories over Leicester City and Southampton have kept us firmly in the top four and within touching distance of the leaders. For Emenalo, the league position is a source of encouragement, but not a distraction.

‘The league position is massive motivation. That’s where we want to be. We should be competing at the top, but we’re not getting carried away. We’re taking it one game at a time. If we keep doing what we’ve been doing well, staying disciplined and working hard for each other, then the results will take care of themselves.

‘Harry coming in as head coach has been really good. Honestly, it’s not too different in terms of style. The chemistry is building naturally. Some of the lads have played similar systems before, so it helps. We’re understanding each other better every session.’

Unity remains one of the Academy’s core values, both on and off the pitch. With Friday’s clash approaching, we asked Emenalo for a final message to his team-mates.

‘First and foremost, I want to see the team win,’ he added. ‘That’s always the priority. Personally, I want to bring energy, be sharp on the ball and help control the tempo of the game. If we perform the way we know we can, we’ll put ourselves in a strong position.

‘Just keep doing what we’ve been doing. Stay focused, stay hungry. We’ve been winning games because we work hard and stick together. If we maintain that mentality, we’ll keep pushing forward. We’re ready, the staff are behind us, now it’s about showing it on the pitch.’

Watch the Blues!

Chelsea Under-21s are in Premier League 2 action against Leeds United on Friday 20 February. The fixture kicks off at 1pm at Cobham and supporters around the world can watch the game live for free on the Chelsea Official App and website. To access the live stream, follow the Chelsea Under-21s vs Leeds United match centre below or head to the homepage shortly before kick-off.

There is more live Academy football on the Chelsea Official App and website the following day, as we will also be streaming Southampton's visit to Cobham in the Under-18 Premier League at 11am on Saturday 21 February.