Although Tosin Adarabioyo might be the oldest member of the first-team squad at just 28 years old, the centre-half has plenty to offer - on and off the pitch - to our young group, as we prepare to take on Ajax in the Champions League tomorrow night.
Having only turned 28 in September, Tosin became the first player of the current crop to feature for Enzo Maresca’s side at that age this season, but the defender only views that as a huge positive. In the Premier League this campaign, the Blues have an average age of 23.2, but Tosin believes that balance is crucial in helping to improve the younger talent we have at the club.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference before we take on the Dutch side, Tosin subscribes to the view that age is just a number and that it should be performances on the pitch that count.
‘It's an interesting stat, but I'm happy to be the first player aged 28 [to have featured this season],’ he opened. ‘I'm the oldest here, but I wouldn't call myself an old player because it's a young team.
‘As long as you play at a high level and perform well, I don't think age matters. As long as you're giving your all for the club and you’re playing at a high level, that's the main thing.
‘I've still got a long way to go in the game. I think 28 is a great age to start kicking on and doing great things.’
With his experience, Tosin is focused on making sure the next crop of young centre-halves receive the same upbringing and support that he did when he was breaking through. And for Tosin, his support is right behind Josh Acheampong.
The 19-year-old scored his first professional goal in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, and now Tosin is focused on supporting Josh as he aims to reach his exceptional potential.
‘Whenever I know Josh is going to be on the pitch, I try to give him as much support as possible,’ Tosin opened. ‘Every single day, I’m onto him to make sure he's doing the right things, because when I was his age, I had people like Vincent Kompany doing the same for me.
‘I think it's very important to have somebody older than you, and performing at a higher level than you, to be there to support you in any way possible.
‘I think we can all see Josh's qualities. His quality on the ball, especially when he's driving forward with it, he’s unmatched for me. He's the best at it, and he just needs to continue working the same way and keep that confidence. With time, he's going to continue to be a great player for us.’