Chelsea hand Shim Mheuka more first-team chances | OneFootball

Chelsea academy starlet Shim Mheuka ‘is starting to be included in first-team training sessions more and more regularly’, as the Blues look for attacking solutions, per Standard Sport.

Mheuka has impressed in the Chelsea youth system, earning some first-team appearances, and he looks set to continue with the senior set-up.

Mheuka led the line when the Blues took on Lincoln City in the League Cup after making his first senior outing last term.

The Chelsea ace debuted in the Europa Conference League last season before his first Premier League appearance in February, underlining the club’s belief in the youngster.

He has bagged ten goals in nine outings for the Chelsea youth ranks this season, turning heads at the club.

Chelsea currently have striker Liam Delap out for an extended period and need someone to fill the gap, and the 17-year-old is getting opportunities to prove his mettle.

However, while Mheuka’s involvement is encouraging, he is clearly not yet ready for the intensity of consistent Premier League football.

In his few senior outings, his lack of pressing awareness and limited link-up play have stood out.

The raw tools are there. Mheuka has pace, movement, and a willingness to run in behind, but he’s still learning the tactical discipline required at the top level.

He hasn’t had many chances to showcase his finishing either, so it’s too early to draw conclusions about his goal-scoring instincts.

Chelsea need to be patient and give the teenager time to develop rather than thrusting him into pressure situations too soon.

In contrast, Marc Guiu looks far more prepared for the demands of senior football.

He is physically sharper, more composed in his movement, and already accustomed to making an impact. He should be the one getting more first-team minutes for now.