Chelsea granted a starting position to Reggie Walsh, a 16-year-old footballer currently undertaking his GCSE exams, in their match against Djurgarden.
Walsh`s name appeared in the starting lineup alongside established players such as Reece James, Jadon Sancho, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
At the age of 16 years and 200 days, Walsh, a Year 11 student, set a record as the Blues` youngest debutant since Ian Hamilton achieved the same feat in 1967.
The young midfielder is in the midst of his GCSE examinations, potentially requiring him to forgo some study time to participate in the game.
Manager Enzo Maresca discussed the decision to give the teenager this significant starting opportunity.
The Italian coach conveyed his confidence in Walsh`s capabilities, suggesting the player possesses “something special”.
Maresca offered high praise for Walsh, calling his talent “very good” and his technique “fantastic”. He added, “I really like him. Between the lines is good, you can see immediately he has something.”
Maresca stressed the importance of hard work and continuous development for Walsh as he grows older. He also commended the young player`s personality, noting that he is not timid and actively engages by asking for the ball and communicating on the pitch.
Chelsea entered the second leg of the Conference League semi-final holding a comfortable lead.
The West London side had secured a dominant 4-1 victory over the Swedish team in the initial match held last week.
Walsh had already made his European debut in the first leg, coming on as a late substitute.
In that first encounter, Chelsea`s goals came from Sancho, Noni Madueke, and a double from Nicolas Jackson, giving the Blues a substantial lead before their opponent scored.
During the match broadcast on TNT Sports, former Chelsea player Joe Cole specifically asked Maresca about Reggie Walsh.
Maresca responded by speaking highly of the youngster, even suggesting he “almost had the quality” that Cole himself possessed during his playing career.
