Youth prodigy Pape Daouda already in Chelsea senior training
Fabrizio Romano via X has revealed that Senegalese teenager Pape Daouda has started training with the Chelsea senior team. The 17-year-old joined the club in December and has been seen as the future prodigy of the Blues.
Now it remains to be seen if the midfielder will join sister club Strasbourg or will continue to train at Chelsea for the reminder of the season. Given the number of players the Blues have, it’s unlikely he will make first-team appearances anytime soon.
At just 17, he holds much promise, and sending him on a loan would be way a good way to ensure his development continues unabated. The Blues can sanction a loan next summer, but before that, they could include him in their pre-season tour.
He is young and raw, requiring proper training to develop into an experienced player. Mauricio Pochettino has effectively managed the development of first-team players thus far, while others thrive on loan, such as Angelo Gabriel, David Datro Fofana, and Cesare Casadei, who was recalled by Chelsea in January.
The Blues face a significant decision, and if they opt to send him on loan, Premier League clubs would offer a better opportunity. Here, he would adapt to the league more quickly compared to a move to a different league.
For now, him training with the senior stars will give him an opportunity to fine tune his talent and also work on the deficiencies in his game. There is still enough time for the youngster to make a mark and it is out job to ensure that he is ready when that time comes.
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Young players have been given top importance by the Blues, and Daouda will hopefully follow in the footsteps of other players and make a name for himself. He has several tools to be an elite midfield player, but maybe the Blues will allow him more time to grow under the correct management.