Much has been made in the press about the Academy graduates who have been promoted into Frank Lampard’s team this season, but it should be noted there is plenty of young talent being given a chance across the board in the Premier League this term.

Ahead of this weekend’s return to action following the international break, the average age of teams stands at 26 years and 307 days, which is younger than at any stage of the competition's history after the inaugural season in 1992/93.

To celebrate the quality youngsters plying their trade in the competition, the Premier League has announced a new prize to honour the best of the bunch: the TAG Heuer Young Player of the Season Award.

This sits along the usual awards handed out by the Premier League: Goal of the Season, Manager of the Season, EA SPORTS Player of the Season and PL2 Player of the Season.

The shortlist for this new award won’t be announced until the latter end of the campaign, but fans will be able to have their say. While there’s obviously a long way to go, here’s a reminder of the Blues who are eligible for the award, having made a Premier League appearance and were aged 23 or younger at the start of the season.

Tammy Abraham

Surely you don’t need reminding about Tammy’s exploits so far this season? A hat-trick against Wolves has helped him to a tally of eight in the English top flight, which puts him joint top of the scorers’ chart alongside Sergio Aguero. He also recently opened his account in the Champions League and returned to the England set-up.

Billy Gilmour

The young midfielder became our first Scottish debutant in 14 years when he came off the bench late on against Sheffield United for his men’s team debut. He started his first game a few weeks later in the Carabao Cup win over Grimsby Town and he doesn’t turn 19 until next June.

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Although injury ruled him out of the opening weeks of the season, there was still the boost of a new long-term contract for the winger, who made his first-team breakthrough last term with four goals in our run to Europa League glory. He opened his account this term with a fine effort against Grimsby.

Mason Mount

After starring in Lampard’s Derby side last term, Mount has made a bright start to life in the men’s team at Chelsea, netting four goals already this season. It hasn’t gone unnoticed further afield, as Gareth Southgate saw fit to bring him into his England side after only five appearances for the Blues.

Christian Pulisic

The American moved to London in the summer from Borussia Dortmund, having finished the season with his old club after his January signing, and he has been finding his feet during the early weeks of his maiden campaign in England. Two assists, including one for Michy Batshuayi at Southampton last time out, is a joint best for the Blues.

Fikayo Tomori

Another who has been called up to the Three Lions squad, Tomori caught the eye for his wonder strike against Wolves, but Blues fans who have kept a close eye on him will have seen a defender who seemingly has all the attributes to succeed at the top level. Now he’ll be hoping to back it up with a few more clean sheets.