Predicting the Next 3 Chelsea Youth Players to Make First-Team Debuts

In February's FA Cup victory against Middlesbrough, Nathan Ake became the latest Chelsea youth product to make a full first-team debut. Although he has not played since, he impressed in that match. At just 18 years of age, he is an exciting prospect for the future.

Other young players to have made first-team appearances recently include (now on loan) players such as Lucas Paizon, Josh McEachran, Kevin De Bruyne and Nathaniel Chalobah.

But who will be next?

Obviously it is hard to predict exactly what will happen in the next few years and which positions will open up in the first team, but here are some of the Chelsea youth players that look to be exciting prospects for the future.

Tomas Kalas

Currently on loan with Dutch club Vitesse, Tomas Kalas is a 19-year-old right back from the Czech Republic.

His loan spell has been so successful that he has caught the attention of West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke, who went to watch the player in action against FC Twente.

Were West Brom to make a move for Kalas, it would almost certainly be another loan, as Kalas has been impressive. He has already been capped by the Czech Republic national side. A Chelsea first-team appearance might not be too far away.

Thibaut Courtois

Goalkeeper is the hardest position in which to make a breakthrough, especially when you are a young player up against an established regular such as Petr Cech.

But Cech has been hit with injuries and some indifferent form this year. Although he will probably remain Chelsea's No. 1 choice for some years to come, there is a chance for an excellent young 'keeper such as Courtois to stake a claim for a spot.

He is a superior goalkeeper to Ross Turnbull, and he will get a first team appearance under his belt sooner rather than later.

He is currently on loan with Atletico Madrid.

Islam Feruz

The chances are that you have never heard of Islam Feruz, but the young Scot has been a permanent fixture on the Chelsea youth team this season, becoming the top scorer. He has also made two appearances for Scotland under-21s.

Although he is just 17 years old, with the striking problems that the Blues have been having of late, Feruz getting a glimpse at some first team action might be a welcome sight.

Of course, at 17, he is still incredibly young, and a loan move might be a more likely option. But Feruz is definitely a player to keep one eye on.