“How good is he?” – Enzo Maresca in awe of Chelsea ace who really impressed vs Djurgarden | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on Reggie Walsh after the teenager made his full debut for Chelsea against Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.

The Blues advanced to the Conference League final after a 1-0 win in the second leg, with Kiernan Dewsbury Hall scoring the only goal of the night.

Chelsea triumphed 5-1 on aggregate with the damage done after a 4-1 win in the first leg, and Maresca’s men will take on Real Betis in the final.

Maresca impressed by Walsh

As has been the case throughout the competition Maresca once again shuffled his pack with a big game against Newcastle to come on Sunday.

Marc Cucurella was arguably the only player who started who will also start against the Magpies, and that meant opportunities for a number of youngsters.

Academy graduates Tyrique George and Josh Achemapong started, whilst Maresca handed 16-year-old Walsh his first start after coming on as a late substitute in the first leg.

Walsh put in an impressive performance on his full debut. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The youngster didn’t look out of place and looked very comfortable on the ball, with Reece James very impressed by what he saw from Walsh.

Joe Cole admitted you can tell Walsh is big talent, and after the game Maresca was once again full of praise for the latest star of the academy.

“How good is he? You can see that he is a good player,” he told TNT Sports as cited on X.com.

“He is that kind of player that we like, very good. For sure he is young and he has many things to do and to grow.

“Very happy for him, very happy for his family and he has to enjoy this moment.”

Chelsea academy still producing

Chelsea are well known for producing top players from their academy with James and Levi Colwill first team regulars.

George and Acheampong have made the step up to the first team squad this season, but it appears there’s a talented group of youngsters coming through.

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At one stage on Thursday night Chelsea had five academy players on the pitch with Walsh, Genesis Antwi, Shim Mheuka, Acheampong, and George.

For all the young talent Chelsea buy, they are still producing top players and could perhaps make more use of their own youngsters.