In Focus: Chelsea youngsters ready to make their mark at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea's academy has produced plenty of first-team talent over the years — and more youngsters may be ready to make their mark in 2022-23.

Cobham graduates Reece James and Mason Mount are already established as key figures for the Blues, while Trevoh Chalobah grasped his chance with both hands last term.

And a number of emerging stars will be vying for opportunities this time around.

We have picked out five youngsters who could make an impact over the coming months.

Conor Gallagher

Following a successful loan at Crystal Palace, Conor Gallagher will be hoping to break into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI — and the German tactician appears keen to include him.

Speaking in April, Tuchel said: "I believe Conor can be a part of our squad and can play a role with us.

"He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace and made a huge step in his development up front.

"He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season — he has so much positive energy, energy in general, and such work rate to give that he can have a big influence."

The 22-year-old will be even more desperate to make his mark this pre-season with uncertainty looming over midfield counterparts Jorginho and N'Golo Kante's futures at Stamford Bridge.

Armando Broja

Having enjoyed an impressive stint with Southampton in 2021-22, Armando Broja will not be short of options this summer.

The Albanian striker, 20, netted six Premier League goals while on loan at St Mary's and could fill the void left by Romelu Lukaku's impending departure.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has other ideas though — and would like the promising marksman to stay on the South Coast.

Hasenhuttl said: "There is no question, and it is not surprising that I want him [Broja] to stay here another year. I know this would be good for him."

With Lukaku's return to the King's Road not working out, Tuchel may find that he already has a ready-made replacement for the Belgian in Broja.

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill emerged as one of the Championship's best defenders last term as Huddersfield reached the play-off final during his loan spell.

The left-sided centre-back made 29 league appearances and received plenty of praise, including from Terriers’ boss Carlos Corberan.

The Spanish coach, 39, said last season: "I think he [Colwill] is going to be one of the most important centre-backs for this country in the future.

"I am seeing a player with a lot of potential and a lot of personality."

Colwill, 19, operates in a similar role to Antonio Rudiger, so his return could provide the Blues with a cost-free heir to the departed German.

Jude Soonsup-Bell

Jude Soonsup-Bell was involved with Chelsea's first team for much of the last year — and for good reason.

The 18-year-old striker has been prolific for the Blues' youth sides and made his debut for the senior team in December's Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Brentford.

Soonsup-Bell made headlines after training with the senior side aged just 16 and has taken inspiration from a fellow Premier League forward.

Speaking in April, he said: "Growing up my idol was Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I used to watch clips and skills of him when I was younger and look at his all-round game. I used to try to repeat his skills and what he did in games."

The 6ft forward definitely looks to be on the right track, scoring a hatful of goals at every stage of his career to date.

Harvey Vale

Chelsea snapped up Harvey Vale from local rivals Fulham in 2016 and he has made plenty of progress since swapping Craven Cottage for Stamford Bridge.

A versatile attacker who is capable of operating in a number of positions, he was recently crowned the Blues' Academy Player of the Year and is held in high esteem by several key figures at the club, including sports performance coach Tom Joyce.

Joyce said: "He [Vale] is a natural baller, and he makes it look easy. He's dedicated and a really hard worker.

"He's determined, and I like that in an athlete. He's got great passing accuracy and an unbelievable shot, too."

The 18-year-old could be a Chelsea star of the future and will be chomping at the bit for an opportunity this summer.