Chelsea players celebrate a goal in a huddle.

We’ve already heard from Enzo Maresca on the debut made by young winger Tyrique George last night – now let’s hear from the man himself.

“It was a great game and I really, really enjoyed it. To start for Chelsea, my boyhood club, was a great feeling,” the winger explained in quotes on the Chelsea website.

“I knew I was starting a few hours before. Enzo [Maresca] was going through the line-up and said my name. I was just excited and couldn’t wait to make a good impression for the fans and for the manager. There were a few nerves, of course, but the excitement goes above the nerves and I was just excited to get on the pitch and show what I could do.”

He also noted a particular link up with one of his teammates from the first team:

“I was full of confidence really. Christo[pher Nkunku] and I had a good relationship down the right-hand side, so I really enjoyed it. It doesn’t take long [to build relationships on the pitch]. They are quality players so when you play with them it’s easy.”

George minutes about more than just one player’s development

George of course faces a tough task to get minutes in the B team, let alone the A team. There are so many mouths to feed, especially while everyone is fit. But the fact Maresca took this chance to put George in is significant. It shows he’s got him in mind, and we wouldn’t be surprised if our later Conference League games see a similar setup, with the regular B team interspersed with some academy players.

We’ve written before about how much it means for young players to get just a chance here and there, and it’s essential for getting them to commit to the club long term. We’re glad the message seems to be reaching Maresca.