With Chelsea virtually having nothing left to play for this season, there could be a few surprise inclusions in Thomas Tuchel's squad this evening. In an ideal world for Blues supporters, they would like to see some of their most talented academy players given a rare opportunity in the first-team against Leicester City.
Chelsea secured a place in the top-four following Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United earlier in the week. Third-place still needs to be sealed, but the Blues have essentially got two dead rubbers in Leicester and Wolves ahead of them.
After I put out the question: 'Any Chelsea players you'd especially like to see tonight?' on Twitter on Thursday afternoon, there was one man who appeared in the majority of the replies. Harvey Vale.
READ MORE: Chelsea vs Leicester City LIVE: Kick-off time, TV channel, team news, live stream details
His place in the Chelsea squad is not confirmed yet, but logic would suggest there is a chance for the academy star. So, with that being said, football.london profiles Vale and speaks about what he could offer Chelsea and Tuchel against Leicester.
Who is Harvey Vale?
The 18-year-old is currently the front-runner to win the Player of the Season award for Chelsea's academy. Vale is a versatile left footed attacking midfielder who has also been used as a wing-back and behind the forward before.
Vale has just over one year remaining on his contract with Chelsea, so there could be added incentive for Tuchel to use the talented teenager this evening. The Englishman has starred in different age groups for Chelsea since joining the Blues from Fulham's academy at Under-13s level.
He then signed his first professional contract in September 2020. Since then, Vale has featured for a total of 131 minutes in domestic cup competitions for the Chelsea senior side.
Speaking to GOAL last year, a sports performance coach who worked with Vale, by the name of Tom Joyce, went into detail about just how talented the Chelsea ace is. "He's a natural baller, and he makes it look easy. He's dedicated and a really hard worker.
"When I teach him something new, or get him to perform a drill, he won't stop until he's got it right. He's determined, and I like that in an athlete. He's got great passing accuracy and an unbelievable shot, too.
"He's a hard worker, so he just needs to stay consistent, put in the work behind the scenes and gain every advantage he can.
"I believe Harvey will soon follow Tino in making regular Premier League appearances, as he (Livramento) has shown he is capable of making the transition from the U23s. It has been exceptional."
There is plenty of excitement surrounding Vale, and an appearance against Leicester, for what would be his Premier League debut, would make the Chelsea supporters very happy indeed. Hopefully, the youngster is given a chance.
