17 year old’s new position means Chelsea debut this season has become much more likely | OneFootball

Chelsea injury issues created an interesting bench for the Blues for Saturday’s game against Liverpool.

With so many players out, Enzo Maresca named two goalkeepers and a few youngsters on the bench – notably Landon Emenalo.

Youngster getting closer to first team bow

Michael Emenalo at Stamford Bridge to watch his son make his first team debut.

Son of former sporting director Michael, Emenalo was last seen in the first team on the bench for the home game against Legia Warsaw in the Conference League quarter finals last year, Emenalo has since continued his superb progress in the youth ranks at Chelsea.

Shortly after that came his definitive promotion from the Under 18 group to the Development Squad. He’s now a regular for them at left back, and has started all their PL2 games plus both in the UEFA Youth League. His England Under 17 games have come there as well.

His dad – who now works for the Saudi Pro League – was there on Saturday to see his son dressed in the squad for the Premier League for the first time.

Left back option creates more opportunities for Ememalo

Midfield is still Landon’s primary position – but this new versatility is very interesting. It certainly opens up some better options for him in terms of first team minutes. Behind Marc Cucurella and Jorrel Hato there’s not a huge amount of cover – could we see Emenalo as a sub in the EFL or FA Cup, or a Champions League dead rubber later in the season? It’s not impossible. If Hato or Cucurella get hurt, it almost becomes likely.

While there’s good depth in central midfield now so many players are back, it feels more likely that Maresca rewards the youngster with some minutes at full back if there’s a chance. Keep a close eye on those Wolves and Qarabag games to come…