One To Watch: Why Chelsea launched Ram raid for whizkid Williams

Chelsea moved quickly to snap up youngster Dylan Williams this month.

The 18-year-old has swapped crisis club Derby for the European champions with a big future ahead of him.

Williams may not be involved with the first team this season but will certainly have his eye on forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans in the future.

Delighted youngster

Williams could not hide his delight at signing for a club the size of Chelsea.

He traded Wolves for Derby ahead of last season and is clearly comfortable making regular moves for the good of his career.

He wrote on Instagram: "Wow. I am absolutely delighted to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"Thank you so much for everything the staff and players have done at Derby. I cannot wait to get started at Chelsea."

Rooney’s admission

Derby are a mess right now with the club having to sell players as the administrators try to find a buyer.

But boss Wayne Rooney insists Williams' exit was not down to the financial issues at Pride Park.

He said: "It was my decision. After speaking to the player, I felt I couldn't deny a young lad an opportunity of going to play in the Premier League.

"I actually don't know what the fee is, that has been agreed between the other club and the administrators.

"I took control of it and said I wanted to speak to the player and see what his feelings are, and it is a massive opportunity for the player, which I understand.

"Hence the fact I was happy for him to leave the club for a new venture somewhere else."

Chelsea chance

Williams will slot straight in to the Under-23s at Chelsea despite their problems at left wing-back in the senior team.

That is not to say that the prospect will not force his way into Thomas Tuchel's first-team plans in the short or long term.

Lewis Hall, 17, made his debut for the Blues in their comfortable FA Cup third-round victory over Chesterfield due to injuries and was named man of the match.

The West Londoners are back in FA Cup action after the winter break, hosting Plymouth, before heading to the United Arab Emirates for the FIFA Club World Cup.

With Ben Chilwell out for the season and the Blues still fighting on multiple fronts, any injury to Marcos Alonso may open up opportunities. 

Even if that does not happen, the emergence of players such as Mason Mount, Reece James and others over the past three years has given players at the Cobham academy belief that the step up can be made.

And having already earned the backing of Rooney, there is no reason Williams will not be the next baby Blue.