Lexi Potter has grown up watching Chelsea lift trophy after trophy. On Sunday, our Academy graduate has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of those she supported from the stands as we face Manchester United in the League Cup final.
The 19-year-old made her first Blues start in our quarter-final encounter against Liverpool in December. Potter played the full 90 minutes as we recorded a resounding 9-1 victory in St Helens.
Her assured displays in the Chelsea midfield have earned the trust of head coach Sonia Bompastor. Potter has made eight appearances in all competitions and showcased her qualities, from progressing the ball smartly to reclaiming it from the opposition.
‘It was amazing to start against Liverpool,’ she reflects at Cobham before heading off to represent England Under-23s during the international break. ‘I've had some good opportunities this season and some minutes to try and begin to showcase what I can do and help the team as much as possible.
'When I come onto the pitch, it's just about doing what I can with my opportunity and helping the team out in any way I can.’
Following Potter’s cameo against St. Polten in the Women’s Champions League in November, Bompastor explained why she wanted to give the youngster regular opportunities in the side, describing her as a player who has ‘a lot of talent’.
When we ask Potter how she works under the Chelsea head coach, she highlights how their relationship has developed over the season.
‘Sonia has helped me a lot,’ Potter continues. ‘She's been really supportive of me, and she's given me good feedback. Whenever we've had conversations, she's really listened. I feel like she's really helped with my development.’
Potter joined our Academy at the age of eight and grew up close to our Cobham training ground in nearby Redhill. She is ambitious and would relish a role in Sunday’s final, but understands her focus is on working as hard as she can and embracing any opportunity with both hands.
‘It would mean a lot to me to play in the final,’ she smiles. ‘But I just hope to help the team in whatever way I can, whether it be from the sidelines or on the pitch.
‘It's my first proper season at Chelsea with the first team, so to be able to get some form of silverware would be great.
'Winning trophies is our aim, and to lift one this early in the season would be really positive.’