Frank Lampard took the plunge that many Chelsea fans had been asking of him for weeks as the interim coach selected the youngest starting XI of the season for the away trip to Manchester United.
Having blended spots of youth with a largely experienced core in his two months as caretaker manager, results had failed to improve from the nadir that set in under Graham Potter. After his influx of youth players into the team in 2019 it had been expected that more of the club's academy stars would be given a chance.
That hasn't been the case, though. Lewis Hall only received his first appearance under Lampard when he featured against Nottingham Forest, while Carney Chukwuemeka was also largely ignored. Against Erik ten Hag's men, he took a different approach.
READ MORE: Chelsea on red alert after PSG meet £51m release clause for 'perfect' Enzo Fernandez partner
Not only did Chukwuemeka get the nod from the start, Hall also continued his run in the side as an average age of 23.1 was on show despite 33-year-old Cesar Azpilicueta. The bench was also baby-faced with David Datro Fofana back in the matchday squad but there was a new name there, too.
19-year-old Alfie Gilchrist got his first taste of senior football after impressing in another strong year for the club's Under-21s side. He is out of contract this summer but is highly rated by the club.
The centre-back has captained the youth sides this season as well as putting in high-quality performances against senior sides in the EFL trophy, helping the young Blues to wins over Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers, Oxford United and Peterborough in the last two seasons.
Speaking as the captain last season he said: "I try to lead by example on and off the pitch, as I believe how I act and respond to situations can positively or negatively impact the squad.
"I think it's important for me to maintain my standards and improve myself, as well as being someone the coaching staff can rely on. I also enjoy the added responsibility. In all honesty, I think it has made me a better player.
"In the game against Watford, we lost a little bit of concentration despite our fast start and that is what allowed Watford to have a chance at beating us. We need to make sure that when we have the momentum, we remain strong rather than making the game nervy."
He has also been compared to John Terry as a promising defender coming through the ranks, with a club scout making the connection.
And Gilchrist himself has said the Chelsea icon is a player he has taken lessons from. "John is who I look up to for sure," he said last year.
"I want to work on my game and lead by example, as he did for so many years at this club. The fact that he is here to offer advice and coaching as well makes my goals that much more achievable."
This progression and opportunity for Gilchrist comes at a positive time for him, too. He was named as one of the nominees for Premier League 2 Player of the Season last week.
Who is your Chelsea player of the season? Have your say by voting below!
READ NEXT:
Todd Boehly makes huge Chelsea decision after 'private' admission
Latest Chelsea injury news as four miss Man United amid Joao Felix and Benoit Badiashile updates
Christian Pulisic Chelsea transfer latest: Huge hint, bizarre link-up and Frank Lampard U-turn
What TV channel is Man United vs Chelsea on? Live stream details and how to watch Premier League
Latest Man United injury news as three miss Chelsea amid Marcus Rashford update
