“Coach was talking” – 19-year-old Chelsea debutant reveals late call to start by Maresca | OneFootball

It was a dream come true for a number of the Chelsea academy lads last night as they got picked in a senior Blues squad in Europe.

Granted, they had to make a 7,000 mile round trip and play in sub zero temperatures against a very poor side. However, playing for the senior Chelsea team and in Europe, is what these lads would have been dreaming about since a young age. And last night, that dream came true.

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Chelsea beat Astana 3-1 away from home thanks to two quick goals from Marc Guiu and a header by Renato Veiga. And these two youngsters were two of the more ‘senior’ faces in the side last night.

The bench was full of academy players, quite literally, and three of them started the game too.

Josh Acheampong, as expected, started the game at right back. Exciting winger Tyrique George started on the left in attack, and the surprise inclusion was midfielder Samuel Rak-Sakyi. They all played really well.

Rak-Sakyi got a late call to start

Rak-Sakyi looked very comfortable

They were tough conditions but you’ve got to be ready to play,’ Rak-Sakyi reflected after our 3-1 victory in Kazakhstan. ‘I’m just happy to have had the opportunity.

‘I found out today in the meeting that I was starting, so it was a late one. But I wasn’t too surprised because of the number of players that travelled and because the coach was talking to me before we got here, so I had a feeling.

‘All the players have been really helpful and Tosin is a real leader in the changing room. He, in particular, has helped me,’ said the young midfielder.

‘It was a good experience and I’m very proud. I want to give the glory to God cause without him none of this would be possible.’

Quotes via The Chelsea website.