It has been a whirlwind season for Gordon, which began with him signing a scholarship with his boyhood club Chelsea and, after his 17th birthday in November, the forward agreed his first professional contract with the Blues. Both were significant milestones.

The campaign has been one full of valuable experiences. Gordon has featured in four competitions – the Under-18 Premier League, the Premier League Cup, the FA Youth Cup and the Under-17 Premier League Cup – with each providing opportunities for personal growth.

Tomorrow, the Under-18s play our final game of this league campaign, and there could hardly be a better way to sign off than a fiery derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Ahead of the contest in north London, we caught up with Gordon at Cobham to hear how he and his Chelsea team-mates are feeling ahead of the fixture and discuss an important season in his development...

Sol, how are you feeling ahead of our final Under-18 Premier League fixture on Saturday?

'I’m feeling a mix of emotions going into this one. On one hand, I’m really excited because it’s the final game of the season and it’s a huge one against Tottenham. A London derby always brings something extra and these are the matches we grow up dreaming of playing in. To be involved in one to close out the season feels really special.

'On the other hand, I’m feeling reflective because it has been a really big year for me personally and professionally. I’ve experienced a lot of growth, especially in terms of my confidence on the pitch. I feel I’ve become more composed and sharper in front of goal.

'But it hasn’t all been easy. I picked up an injury that kept me out for a few matches, which was difficult physically and mentally. You never want to be away from the team or feel like you’re losing momentum. The recovery process was challenging, but the support I received from the medical staff and coaches made a huge difference. I stayed committed to my rehab and the programme that helped me return to full fitness.

'Now I feel focused and determined to end the season in the best way possible. It would mean a lot to finish strong and to do it against Spurs makes it even more exciting.'

This season was your first full-time in Under-18s football. What have you learned?

'I’ve learned so much that it’s hard to put into words. Learning happens all the time, so sometimes you don’t even realise how much you’ve developed until you stop and look back at your progress.

'One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from this season is the importance of staying positive and being mentally strong, especially when things aren’t going your way. We’ve had a young squad this year, with quite a few schoolboys stepping up, and that naturally brought its own challenges.

'There were times when we dominated games but didn’t get the results we felt we deserved. That can definitely be frustrating, but what stood out was how we stuck together as a group. We never lost belief in ourselves or each other. That helped us bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward.

'Off the pitch, we’re a really close team. I think that has played a big role in how we’ve performed this season. The bonds we’ve built with each other make a real difference on matchdays, because when you trust the person next to you, you’re willing to give that little bit more for the team.

'So, I’d say I’ve grown in all areas. I’m excited to show everything I’ve learned in this final game and take that momentum into next season, where hopefully we can really challenge for silverware.'

With this being the final game of the season, how important is it to finish on a high?

'It’s really important, not just because it’s our last fixture but because it’s against Tottenham! Whenever we play Spurs, no matter the age group, it’s intense and competitive. We all know what the fixture means to the club and to the fans. It gives it extra weight.

'We know they’ll be up for it just like we will, but we have to prove we want it more. We need to show that through our performance, our work rate and our mentality, from the first whistle to the final one.

'It is also a chance for us to show how much we have grown as a team over the season and to give something back to all the coaches. Finishing with a win would be the perfect reward for everyone’s hard work.'

What has our Under-18s head coach Hassan Sulaiman said ahead of this fixture?

'Hass has always been clear and consistent with his message throughout the season and it has stayed the same for this match. He tells us to fight, to give everything and never give up, no matter the situation. That mindset has helped us so many times this season.

'Football is not just about ability. It is also about mentality. You have to stay focused, be switched on and be ready to battle until the very last minute.

'I’ve known Hass since I was really young, as I’ve been at the Academy since the Under-8s. He is someone I really respect. He knows each of us well, he understands our strengths, our areas to improve and what drives us. Hass keeps on pushing us to be our best, both on and off the pitch.

'He cares about the team, not just as footballers, but as people too. I think that connection has really helped bring out strong performances. It’s kept us fighting at the top of the table. We want to make him proud on Saturday and show how much we’ve progressed under him with a big performance.'

Lastly, do you have a message for the supporters who might be watching the stream this Saturday morning?

'I’d definitely say tune in and support us. We’ve got a talented group of players who are proud to represent this club and who will give everything in this final match of the season.

'It’s going to be a proper game. It’s a derby, so there’ll be intensity, passion and hopefully some really good football as well. These are the matches you don’t want to miss.

'Your support means so much to us. Whether you’re watching in person or online, just knowing you're behind us gives us that extra push. Hopefully, we can give you something to celebrate with a big performance and a big win against Spurs.'

Tune in on Saturday

Supporters worldwide can follow the young Blues' final Under-18 Premier League fixture as we take on Tottenham Hotspur away at our London rivals' training ground, with kick-off at 11am. A free live stream will be available on the official Chelsea website and app. To watch, either follow the Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea Under-18s Match Centre below or visit the homepage shortly before kick-off.