Incoming? Jamal Blackman

[Chali 2na]

Again, I accept all of that, but he still is along way away from being involved in Premier League football. I am having a go at the likes of Chelsea, really, in contrast with the way Pickford has been able to progress. Perhaps I need to move into the 'Unpopular opinions thread'!

I don't doubt that it is good for Chelsea, but I really do not like it. I assume that their academy gets a crop of top kids every year, but how many have made it to the top in recent years? I can see that for the best 18-20 year-olds, a spell on loan gives them experience of grown-up football; but by 23/24, the best should be playing at the top, rather than being a cash-cow for already wealthy clubs. It is not good for English football, and it is not good for the individuals, in my opinion. Perhaps I just don't like Chelsea...

It's a shame that Chelsea "waste" a lot of good English talent, but the fact of the matter is Chelsea aren't in it for English talent; they're in it for Chelsea. It's served them well: since the introduction of FFP they've managed to keep up with the other big boys.

There is also the fact that Jamal Blackman is probably one of the best championship keepers, but Courtois is one of the best in the world.

It's well known that Chelsea haven't had an academy graduate since John Terry, their best chance is probably with Loftus-Cheek, we'll see...

 

[spongebobblade]

Chelsea loaned out 36 players last season. We don’t have that many professionals on our books!