"We've got a culture within the academy and the club of getting into finals and winning things."
The words of under-18 boss and academy coach Ed Brand following Chelsea's win in the Premier League Cup final against Fulham that sum up life at Chelsea. An outstanding strike from Leo Castledine after a clever pass from Lewis Hall and some brilliant build-up from Charlie Webster ahead of a smart finish from Jude Soonsup-Bell ensured the Blues came away as 2-1 victors against the Whites at Craven Cottage helped cement that culture once again.
Brand added: "It was nice that this group today could continue that tradition. It's been an excellent campaign, a difficult campaign, we've had to show a lot of character and resilience. We've had to use the squad. It's been a real squad effort with players from under-16,17, 18, lads who have been involved with the 23s coming down so it's been a real collective effort."
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The Blues can add the academy trophy to the likes of the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup as prizes Chelsea have earned this season. A small success in the grand scheme, but it clearly meant something to the players on the pitch, who embraced each other come the final whistle, as the opponents fell to the floor. Even before and after they lifted the trophy, plenty of time was spent with the supporters in attendance.
As Brand highlighted, winning is part of the culture at Stamford Bridge and Cobham. Many teams attempt to live off of nostalgic playing styles or instill philosophies, during Roman Abramovich's tenure at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have found a way to win at all levels to make their own.
The Premier League Cup win provided the first time that Chelsea's under-18 side have been able to lift a trophy in four seasons, however. On that occasion Brand was an assistant to Jody Morris and that Chelsea side also won the Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup in addition to reaching the UEFA Youth League final.
Ethan Ampadu, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi were all eligible for the 2018 final but had progressed to where they did not feature. The likes of Tariq Lamptey, Marc Guehi, Billy Gilmour, Clinton Mola started against Tottenham, and were led by captain Conor Gallagher. Morris certainly had an impressive selection of players who have went on to reach a high level of first-team football, be it at Chelsea or elsewhere.
It would easy to be unimpressed with Chelsea's development squad in 2021/22, with the under-23 side battling to prevent relegation in Premier League 2 but the win over Fulham adds more context to that situation. Alfie Gilchrist, Dylan Williams, Lewis Hall, Harvey Vale, Charlie Webster and Jude Soonsup-Bell are all listed among Chelsea's development squad, while Brodi Hughes has made 13 appearances in PL2 this term. That is seven of the Blues' starting XI at Craven Cottage.
That highlights the youth currently involved in the under-23 set-up and the potential that remains in that group to achieve success against their peers. There are of course no guarantees any player can make it to the first team, but four years removed from 2018, James and Hudson-Odoi are in Thomas Tuchel's plans, with Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour are set to return from Premier League loans to challenge for a place in Chelsea's midfield. Success breeds success.
With the like of Vale, Hall and Soonsup-Bell recording playing time under Tuchel and Williams, Webster and a whole host of other players involved in first-team training, there is a route for academy products to focus in, even if it includes a loan. Tuchel's presence alongside Petr Cech at the weekend's under-18 match against Crystal Palace, perhaps reinforces the connection to strive for in all areas of the club.
With Todd Boehly's Chelsea bid moving towards completion as things stand, attention will quickly turn to the Blues' potential transfers this summer, perhaps a first statement signing. However, alongside ensuring Chelsea are as competitive as possible, as their identity commands, there is a growing duty to allow the talent Cobham produces to also form Chelsea's character. In a moment of uncertainty, none of the Premier League Cup winners are set to see their contracts expire this summer, and in the best-case scenario that will only be the start.
Mason Mount and James are two vital members of the current team and could quickly see themselves in leadership roles as the next crop of academy products attempt to forge their way into the team. There's been some excitement about the more analytical methods Boehly could introduce in recruitment. Utilising the academy could prove a cost-effective of having Tuchel and any future manager cost-effective talent. With the right investment and support, the set-up, led by Neil Bath alongside the likes of Brand, can prove a useful tool, and is a big asset for any prospective new owner.
