It was in north London – Camden, to be exact – that Tyrqiue began to hone his footballing ability. From the age of three, he often had a ball at his feet. His love for the game grew in the years that followed, as did an ambition to forge a path in the game.

TFA Totteridge gave him a platform to capture the attention of scouts from across London. He often played as a striker, a position in which he has featured for the Blues under Enzo Maresca, and joined our Academy at eight years old.

So began the journeys to Cobham with his mum, Anita. 'She's a teacher and she would take me to training after she had finished work,' Ty reflects. 'I've no clue what lines we took; I'd just get on the train with her after school. There and back, tiring. Training would be an hour and a half. We’d get back late, but it was worth it.

Those trips continued until George was 12 years old. Then came a choice that would further shape the young forward's career: stay in Camden or move across the capital to South Croydon to be closer to our training base in Surrey.

'I didn’t really want to move,' Ty reflects. 'My whole life was in north London in Camden, but it was a decision I had to make for my career. I was emotional, if I’m being honest. All my friends were in north London, so moving to a completely new area, a new city, was tough.

'I was excited once I got there; I saw the kids and was excited to go into the new school (Royal Russell) and meet new people. It was closer to Cobham, so it was worth it. My family backed me as well, so it gave me the confidence to take that step. I think it was the best decision I ever made.'

That combination of self-confidence and quality helped Tyrique move through our Academy ranks. He stepped up to our Under-18s side while still a schoolboy and then established himself in our Under-21s during the 2023/24 campaign.

Then, after signing a new contract last summer, came the step up to the first team. 'It’s a little weird that I was in the Under-21s and then straight into the first team,' he reflects. 'I’m not too sure how I did it. I just worked hard, really. Every day in training, I just try to show that I want to play.'

Tyrique's first-team debut came in our Conference League play-off tie against Servette. He went on to make 25 further appearances across a variety of attacking positions and scored his first senior goal in our Conference League victory over Legia Warsaw.

Another followed soon after, and it was a goal of great significance as it helped us draw level at Fulham in a game we went on to win.

'I was playing as a striker, and I’ll go anywhere, play anywhere,' he says. 'I just want to get minutes and get on the pitch.'

It was after that game that Tyrique was serenaded by the Chelsea faithful with his own half. 'I've heard it a few times now,' he says. 'It means so much; I just love the fans. When they sing my name, you feel tingles in your body. It's weird. I just get so excited and so happy.'

Tyrique's first campaign with the Blues ended with him receiving the Academy Player of the Year award, following in the footsteps of club captain Reece James and several England internationals.

'It’s always a nice feeling to get that recognition,' says Ty. 'I feel like I’m doing well for myself, so I’m happy and I just have to continue.'

His journey has continued this summer at the Club World Cup, and another goal followed as Tyrique found the net in our victory over Tunis.

Next up for the Blues and the 19-year-old is Benfica. Beyond that is unknown. Yet for Tyrique, his ambition remains the same as it was when he was 12 years old: to be the best player he can be.

'I'm proud, but I don't really take the time to think about it because everything's so fast-paced,' he says. 'I’m happy for myself, but I just want to keep growing and keep playing.

'Then I will see where it takes me, but I hope it's to a really high level.'

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