Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s start against Liverpool meant he was a recipient of a guard of honour from the visitors on his debut. Not bad, eh? It was flagged as sensational, but is it really? In reality, it is a sign of things to come for Chelsea.

Waiting until the final weeks of the season, and when Chelsea already have the title wrapped up, to start the youngster is really not that far fetched. Jose Mourinho has spoken in favour of Loftus-Cheek this season, but has stated that now is not the time for the player. But he time will be coming, and soon.

Jose Mourinho was full of praise for Loftus-Cheek following his first Premier League outing. Mourinho said he will be a “Chelsea player. That is not a doubt. I believe others can too.”

Those others are likely to include Izzy Brown and Nathan Ake. Jose has stated that these two players will feature before the end of the season. When Chelsea face West Brom, all three will feature. But Mourinho will field the side who lifted the title for their final game of the season.

The future of Patrick Bamford seems somewhat more uncertain though. He has stated that he is still dedicated to being a Chelsea player, but as he is currently out on loan, Jose Mourinho cannot include him in his plans. There was criticism of Mourinho for loaning out Bamford when Chelsea’s forwards were struck with injury. Star striker Costa had trouble with his hamstring and Loic Remy ended up injured at the same time.

This left Drogba, whereas they could have had the young legs of Bamford up top. But does this not somewhat undermine the player? That he should have waited around all season on the off chance that injuries would strike numerous players and he would be needed? Of course Jose made the right decision. Young players need minutes, regardless.

Jose Mourinho is a man of his word. Earlier in the season he had spoken about his Chelsea youth players and the role they will end up playing for his side. He believes in the importance of including potential England players in his squad, or else he would be failing them.

So we could be seeing a whole load of new, young, English faces in the Premier League for Chelsea next season. Maybe not in the starting line up every week, but it is clear that Jose has a plan that will be implemented in order to get the most out of his youngsters.

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