Fans spilled out of Stamford Bridge celebrating Chelsea`s smooth progression to the Conference League final, much like the pubs staying open late for the VE Day commemorations.
However, 16-year-old Reggie Walsh couldn`t partake in any potential liquid celebrations; at his age, he wouldn`t have been served without identification. Despite this, the Year 11 schoolboy was undoubtedly thrilled by becoming Chelsea`s youngest starter in nearly six decades. His appearance in a European semi-final was a surprising inclusion, especially considering he only began playing for the club`s Under 18s this season.
For most teenagers his age, this time of year is consumed by GCSE revision and the pressure of exams. Walsh faced a different kind of test on the pitch but proved his composure.
Fortunately for the academy`s newest talent, more experienced teammates ensured a straightforward evening. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed Chelsea`s spot in the final by scoring seven minutes before halftime, extending the aggregate lead against a lacklustre Djurgarden side.
Chelsea is now set to travel to Wroclaw, Poland, for the final. There, they will attempt to make history by becoming the first team to lift all current major UEFA trophies: the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, and Conference League.
Walsh, an intelligent and composed player who has already represented England at U16 and U17 levels, is unlikely to feature in the final on May 28th. His debut highlights Chelsea`s willingness to give opportunities to young players regardless of their physical stature, following in the footsteps of talents like Billy Gilmour. Walsh had already become the youngest player to feature for the first team as a substitute in the first leg in Sweden, breaking a record held since 1967 by Ian ‘Chico’ Hamilton, before setting a new mark for youngest starter just days later.
With the tie virtually decided by Chelsea`s commanding 4-1 victory in the first leg, manager Enzo Maresca felt comfortable fielding a heavily rotated, youthful side for the return fixture. The opposition offered minimal resistance, leading to an almost relaxed atmosphere.
This approach aligns with Maresca`s philosophy; Chelsea boasts the youngest squad in the Premier League this season, with an average age of just 23 and a half – making the 16-year-old Walsh exceptionally young by comparison.
The match had a peculiar feeling; despite being just one game away from a European final in a competition the club has never won, the substitute bench was noticeably stronger than the starting lineup. This wasn`t due to a lack of respect for the tournament, but rather an acknowledgement that the quality of opposition faced in this competition has often been akin to lower league level football.
In addition to Walsh`s debut, 19-year-old Josh Acheampong also featured in the significantly altered starting eleven. Marc Cucurella was the only player who also started Chelsea`s recent Premier League match against Liverpool, highlighting the drastic changes made by Maresca.
The manager`s focus was clearly on more pressing matters – securing Champions League qualification for the following season, allowing the club to move beyond this “tinpot” European competition. Sunday`s upcoming trip to Newcastle, a team level on points with Chelsea, presents a far more challenging test than the routine progression seen last night.
Chelsea`s key players, including Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, newly crowned Player of the Year Moises Caicedo, and Nicolas Jackson, were rested, watching from the bench prepared to come on if needed.
At halftime, Maresca introduced 17-year-old forward Shumaira Mheuka, who briefly held the record for Chelsea`s youngest starter after playing in the round of 16 in Copenhagen before Walsh surpassed him. It`s clear Chelsea are truly embracing their identity as the `boys in blue`, relying on young talent.
