Enzo Maresca could be about to unleash a player dubbed the ‘next Paolo Maldini’ (Image: GETTY)
boss may be about to hand a first-team debut to an exciting youngster who has already been compared to players as iconic as Paolo Maldini.
Maresca has not been afraid to give young players the chance to impress since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer. Josh Acheampong has taken his opportunity with both hands, establishing himself as a useful player for the Blues.
The likes of Tyrique George and have also impressed when called upon, showing that have no shortage of emerging talent at their disposal.
Another budding prospect could be about to follow in their footsteps, with Ishe Samuels-Smith having been spotted in training ahead of Monday’s game against Wolves.
Ishe Samuels-Smith has been taking part in senior training at Cobham this week (Image: GETTY)
The 18-year-old joined from Everton two years ago after emerging as one of the Toffees’ best academy players. that senior figures at Goodison Park were convinced he would become the ‘next Leighton Baines’.
Samuels-Smith was even likened to Italian legend Maldini, with fans on X (formerly Twitter) struggling to contain their excitement following his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
@david_choya wrote: “We just signed the next Maldini,” while @Anil_Bluez said: “I know he is our next [John] Terry.” Others claimed that he would one day be regarded as the world’s best player, with @NyumahStewart posting: “Ballon d’Or loading.”
It remains to be seen if Samuels-Smith will be involved for when they go up against Wolves on Monday night. He may have an opportunity to make his mark at senior level if Renato Veiga leaves Stamford Bridge this month.
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that Veiga has agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund over a potential move, with the 21-year-old said to be keen on playing regular football away from west London.
With the Blues unlikely to sign a new player in that position before the end of the window, there may be a chance for Samuels-Smith to emerge as genuine competition for Marc Cucurella.
He is a natural left-back but is equally capable of playing in central defence when required to deputise in the middle. During his time at Everton, he was named on the bench for a game against Fulham but did not get on the pitch.
Only time will tell if Samuels-Smith will finally make his top-flight debut for on Monday night, with his involvement in training potentially hinting that he will be in the squad.