It has been a positive couple of weeks for the Blues under Harry Hudson, with energy high in the squad after five wins and one draw from our last six Premier League 2 matches. That strong run of form has seen us rise to the top of the Premier League 2 table.

Last time out in the competition, our Under-21s delivered an excellent performance away at Birmingham City. Three different goal scorers found the net in a convincing 4-1 victory, with Harrison featuring in midfield.

The 18-year-old has been an important figure for our Under-21s this season, making 15 appearances in the Premier League 2. He has also found the score sheet, scoring in our 5-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Kingsmeadow - the last time we played at our home stadium.

We return to Kingsmeadow this Saturday, with free tickets available for all Chelsea season ticket holders, members and under-20s until midday on Friday 13 March. Ahead of the weekend’s fixture, we caught up with the midfielder at Cobham following a training session to assess the mood within the camp.

'I think it’s been a really positive season so far,' Harrison smiled. 'If you look at the league table, which is ultimately the main goal, we’re sitting at the top at the moment. That’s always a good thing.

'I’ve really enjoyed the campaign so far and it’s been great to be part of a group that’s performing well and pushing in the right direction.

'The Premier League 2 is a really good competition. The standard is high and the structure makes it exciting as well, especially with the play-off system at the end of the season.

'You need to finish high in the table to give yourself the best chance going into those games. At the moment we’re sitting first, which is great, so hopefully we can maintain that position and give ourselves a strong opportunity when the play-offs arrive.'

For Harrison, the 2025/26 campaign marks his first full season playing at Under-21s level after making the step up from the Under-18s last year, where he captained the side throughout the season.

'Stepping up to the Under-21s full-time has definitely been different,' he explained. 'I think the level is a lot closer to men’s football when you’re playing Under-21s football. The physicality and intensity are higher and you’re playing against older players.

'But we’ve got a really good squad this season and that’s made the transition easier. It’s been really fun to be part of the group. There have been tough moments, of course, but overall I’ve really enjoyed making that step up.

'The Under-21s also give you the opportunity to be involved in lots of games. I think it’s really good to play in different competitions. It means more matches and as a player that’s exactly what you want. The more games you play, the more you learn and the more experience you gain.

'Physically it can be demanding, especially when games come quickly, but it’s a good challenge and something you need to get used to as you move closer to the senior level.'

Since making the step up to the older age group at Cobham, we asked the midfielder how he feels he is developing by facing older and more physical opponents as he continues to work towards senior football - the ultimate aim for any Academy player.

'Personally, I think I’ve developed a lot,' he said. 'I try to bring calmness and control in midfield. I like to play forward, progress the ball and help dictate the tempo of the game.

'I’d also like to think I’m someone who helps bring the lads together. We’ve got a really strong group with a lot of leaders in it, and that makes a big difference. I think everyone leads in their own way. Some players lead by example on the pitch, while others use their voice more.

'At Chelsea, leadership is really important and everyone contributes in their own way. For me, the key qualities are being brave, confident and willing to take responsibility for the team.'

One of the key values within our Academy is the power of unity. Despite this being his first full season with the Under-21s, Harrison has built strong relationships both on and off the pitch with his team-mates, which is something he believes is vital for success.

'Unity is massive for any team,' he continued. 'Over the course of the season we’ve really developed that togetherness.

'We’ve had some changes along the way, including a managerial change in the middle of the season, but I think the group has responded really well. We’ve stayed strong, bonded well and supported each other through the ups and downs.

'Once you start winning games, you want to keep that momentum going. Confidence grows within the group and everyone believes in what we’re doing. If we can keep winning and stay consistent, that will put us in a really strong position heading into the play-offs.'

Our next challenge sees us face Sunderland, who currently sit 12th in the league with seven wins, three draws and six defeats. The visitors come into the fixture with confidence after a 5-2 victory over Leeds United, setting up what promises to be a competitive test for the Blues.

'I’m really looking forward to the Sunderland challenge,' he said. 'I grew up in Newcastle, so games in that area always mean a little bit more to me. I’m sure the lads are excited as well and we’re all looking forward to the challenge.

'Whenever I played against Sunderland growing up, they were always very competitive. They’ll be aggressive and try to be on the front foot, but that’s something we can use to our advantage. If we stay composed and play our football, we’ll give ourselves a great chance.

'Playing at Kingsmeadow is brilliant. I think a lot of the boys have really missed playing there. Having the fans behind us makes a big difference and we’re all looking forward to being back and hopefully putting in a good performance.'

The Under-21s have just three Premier League 2 fixtures remaining before the play-off stage begins. The top 16 will progress to the knockout rounds, with teams drawn against each other based on their league positions, the side finishing first facing those in 16th.

The play-offs consist of a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final, all played as single elimination fixtures. Last season we reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Crystal Palace and the aim this season will be to go even further.

'It’s about building on what we’ve done over the past couple of weeks,' Harrison added. 'We need to keep the momentum going, keep winning games and stay at the top of the table. If we do that, we’ll put ourselves in the best possible position heading into the play-offs.

'Personally, I want to keep performing at a high standard. I want to play forward, be brave and aggressive and help the team win games.

'It would be massive to be in the best possible position ahead of the play-offs. As I said earlier, keeping that winning momentum going gives you a real boost going into those games.

'If we can continue our good form, we’ll be in a strong position when those matches arrive. My main goal is to keep having a good season and continue enjoying my football. If I can keep improving, helping the team and contributing to wins, that’s the most important thing.'

Secure your seats!

Tickets are now available for Chelsea Under-21s' game against Sunderland on Saturday 14 March at Kingsmeadow, kicking off at 2pm. Chelsea season ticket holders (both women’s and men’s teams), members and under-20s are eligible for a free ticket. General admission is priced at £4.