Chelsea achieved a significant 4-1 victory against Swedish team Djurgarden in the first leg of the Conference League semi-final on Thursday night. The match was particularly memorable for 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, who made his first-team debut in a thrilling encounter.
Nicolas Jackson contributed two goals while Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke each added one, giving Chelsea a strong advantage ahead of the upcoming second leg at Stamford Bridge. Madueke’s goal marked his 11th of the season across all competitions, drawing praise from pundit Jason Cundy.
The highlight of the match came when Walsh was brought on by manager Enzo Maresca in the 88th minute, making an immediate impact by nearly scoring with his very first touch from distance, testing the goalkeeper. After the match, Jackson spoke highly of Walsh’s talent and potential, stating, “He has a lot of quality. I’m very happy for him to make his debut. I hope for more to come for him.”
Walsh, who turns 17 in October, has been a key player for the Chelsea Under-18s this season and had previously trained with the senior squad. His debut showcases the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent, a commitment strongly upheld by manager Maresca amidst a season filled with challenges.
Maresca’s efforts to promote academy players have resulted in several making the transition to the first team, countering earlier concerns among the youth players regarding their paths to senior football. This commitment to youth not only enriches the squad but also inspires hope for Chelsea’s future as they invest in their emerging talents.