With 12 minutes remaining at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon and the Blues five goals to the good, Academy winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen was introduced for his Chelsea debut. It was a special moment.
The 17-year-old, who joined the club at Under-8 level, recently signed his first professional contract at Chelsea. He has been impressing for our Under-21 side this season and scored a stunning goal in the PL2 victory away to Wolves last month.
Now Kavuma-McQueen has stepped up to represent our senior team having been an unused substitute on two occasions in the Champions League. The man who handed him his debut in the big win over Port Vale, Liam Rosenior, was delighted to showcase more of our Academy talent.
'I was so happy for Ryan,’ said Rosenior.
‘I had the pleasure of watching him in the FA Youth Cup game [against Manchester City] a few weeks ago.
‘I know a lot about the Academy; the Academy coaches fill me in a lot about the players. I felt it was a really good moment for Ryan, and for what is traditionally an outstanding Academy, to have another debut.'