Jesse Derry’s dream week at Chelsea, from Stamford the Lion to first-team debut | OneFootball

Jesse Derry made his Chelsea debut in the 4-0 FA Cup win at Hull City, four days after performing as club mascot Stamford the Lion at an Under-18 FA Youth Cup tie.

According to NY Times, the England Under-19 has settled fast since leaving Crystal Palace last summer, becoming a driving figure in the Under-21s amid interest from England and Europe.

A lifelong Chelsea fan who idolised Eden Hazard, Derry lives at the family home near Cobham with father Shaun, the former Palace and Leeds midfielder, a routine that has eased his transition.

He was Palace’s Under-18 player of the season in 2023-24 after 16 goals in 22 matches, and he also secured a Skechers boot deal that includes creating social media content.

Coaches admired his two-footedness, composure, one-v-one ability and set-piece delivery, with club data highlighting deceptive speed and stamina. He has represented England at under-17, under-18 and under-19 level, scoring twice at last summer’s Euros.

Palace made repeated offers of a professional contract, but although he trained with the first team he never made a senior bench, which is thought to have influenced his choice.

As a homegrown player under 24, compensation was due, and the clubs agreed a fee in excess of £1 million to avoid a tribunal.

Derry has 11 goals and four assists in 23 Chelsea youth games, including five in seven in the UEFA Youth League. He now trains with the first team, operating mainly on the left and learning from Reece James.

Source: NY Times