Chelsea FC: Assessing the Blues' Youth

In recent seasons, Chelsea have begun bringing in young players and those who have developed through its youth system.

For many years, John Terry was the only real success story coming out of the Chelsea youth player development programme.

Recently, however, more and more exciting young stars have started to show their first-team credentials.

We are going to take a look at some of the most promising young Chelsea players ready to make a name for themselves.

Josh McEachran

As soon as this 18-year-old midfielder made his first appearance for Chelsea in the Champions League in September 2010, it was clear to see what talent he had.

His composure on the ball was that of a seasoned professional, and his vision was something to get excited about.

Having made 10 appearances for the senior team, the fans want to see this young Englishman get more game time.

With Swansea and Bolton both interested in taking him on loan, hopefully more playing experience at top level will help McEachran show even greater improvements for his and Chelsea's future.

Gaël Kakuta

A lot of people will recognise the name Kakuta from the controversy surrounding his move from Lens to Chelsea in 2007.

Since this, Kakuta has shown his amazing ability to beat players and be skillful with it.

He has been hailed by his peers, with Michael Ballack once telling reporters, "Go see the French lad; he is the star."

Kakuta, at only 20 years of age, certainly has a bright future in front of him.

Since playing with the Chelsea youth and reserve teams, he has improved greatly and is a key member of the French youth team.

With loan spells at Fulham and Bolton Wanderers, he has and will gain more match experience. Add that to his God-given gifts, it means he is going to be a huge star.

Patrick Van Aanholt

This attack-minded full back from Holland has plenty of Premier League experience, and he is only 21 years of age.

Moving to Stamford Bridge in 2007, he has spent a lot of his playing time on loan at various Premier League and Championship clubs.

Part of the Netherlands U-19 and U-21 squads, he has international admirers also.

If he can get appearances at his current loan club, Wigan, and put in a string of impressive performances, he could stake a claim to get some Chelsea first-team glory.

Ryan Bertrand

Admired by Andre Villas-Boas and seen as Ashley Cole's long-term replacement, this England U-21 international is the real deal.

Having recently signed a new long-term deal along with Josh McEachran, Bertrand definitely has a future at Chelsea.

A former winger, he has natural ability going forward and has shown his defensive prowess, making him a sought-after commodity in today's fascination with "beautiful football."

Needing more game time following loan spells at Reading and Nottingham Forest, we could begin to see Bertrand eased gradually into the first team very soon.

And let's face it, any player who is deemed to be able to replace someone as influential and talented as Ashley Cole must be doing something right.

Daniel Sturridge

Well, anybody who has watched Chelsea this season will know about this man.

Following an impressive loan spell at Bolton, where he scored an amazing eight goals in 12 games, he has made himself a week-in, week-out starter for Chelsea and has broken into the England senior squad.

Joining the Blues from Manchester City in July 2009, he is looking to be a bargain at £3.5 million plus add-ons.

Manchester City will feel they have let one get away, with Roberto Mancini already admitting that letting Sturridge go was a mistake for the club.

Chelsea's top scorer so far this season, Sturridge has been on fire.

Playing predominantly on the right side of attack, he has made his intentions clear that he wants to be Chelsea's main man upfront.

And judging on current form, I think Drogba and Torres should be worried.

With the backing of his manager, the fans and most importantly himself, the sky is the limit for this young striker.