Watson has stepped up to the Cobham Next Gen squad this season at just 16 years old and has been key to the Blues’ impressive start. He has been rewarded for his form and is looking to progress even further as the campaign progresses.

We sat down with Watson to speak about the season so far and what’s to come from him and the CNG team in 2026/27.

After returning from international duty, Watson was presented with his PL2 Player of the Month award for September 2026. He won the award after scoring three goals in two matches, taking him up to five in all competitions.

Reflecting on the accolade, Watson said: ‘It’s been a great start, we are near the top of the table and there’s been some great performances from myself and by the team. We’ve got some good results and hopefully we can just push on. I think I’ve done well, winning Player of the Month shows I’ve stepped up to the level.

‘I’ve been very pleased. Scoring five goals is quite nice, I don’t think I’ve scored that many in my life but hopefully we can just push on even more with some even better performances.’

Those goals included a stunning free-kick against Arsenal. Watson described his striking ability from dead-ball situations as one of his ‘superpowers’.

He said: ‘I practise them quite a lot, but it was natural when I was younger. Once I started working on it with some coaches they have helped make them even better. It’s become a superpower of mine.’

At such an early stage in his career, Watson has shown great maturity in adapting to Under-21s football and senior football. He has impressed under Cobham Next Gen head coach Harry Hudson in the league and cup competitions, becoming a key cog in the Blues' midfield.

Speaking on working under Hudson and the CNG training environment, Watson revealed: ‘I enjoy it, when I have trained with them it’s been fun and in the games we’ve showed our levels.

‘It’s very competitive and we have a good relationship on the pitch. It shows in games this season when we’ve gone behind and we’ve stepped up. It demands a high level every single day and being an overall complete player.’

Throughout his time with Chelsea, Watson has continued to maintain those high standards and it has led to him being involved with the first team. In fact, after spending time with the senior squad during pre-season, Watson was able to make his competitive debut when he started against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup.

'It was a crazy moment. I was quite nervous the day before because I didn’t really know if I was going to play at all. Once I found out I was starting, I was kind of shocked, but confident.

'Walking out onto the pitch I got crazy goosebumps seeing all the fans and the atmosphere. Starting for Chelsea at 16 is such an honour, I think I was ready for it though.

'There are some big characters in the first team who help the young boys out and when you look around you see talented players everywhere. I was shocked because it’s like: “Wow, I’m playing with these players”.’

Watson’s senior debut made him the youngest player to ever feature for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, although it wasn’t his first taste of senior football for the Blues.

He was also part of the first-team squad who went out to Australia and Asia for our pre-season tour. Watson said: ‘The first game I started and played the full game which I didn’t expect. Training sessions with the first team were very valuable.’

Watson was called up for the England Under-17s squad during the last international window and captained the Young Lions in their matches against the Republic of Ireland, Israel, Venezuela and Germany.

Looking back on the experience, the midfielder said: ‘It’s very competitive when you play for England, as you would expect playing for your country and playing against some top nations. It’s probably the biggest pride in football, captaining your country, it’s an honour.’

Across all competitions, Watson has found the back of the net on five occasions for Cobham Next Gen. The squad have some big tests ahead, but Watson is relishing the opportunity to face any challenge that comes his way and aims to ‘win everything’.

‘I’m very excited, I think we can get wins. I’m hoping for solid performances and maybe I can chip in with a few goals again,’ he said.

His next opportunity to do so arrives this evening, when we travel to Stoke City for a 7pm kick-off in the Premier League 2. CFC+ subscribers can watch the game live on the Chelsea Official App and website, with highlights available to all supporters the following day.