With Chelsea’s stars currently on leave after their participation in this summer’s World Cup, the Blues kicked off their pre-season with a 5-0 victory at English League 2 side Wycombe. Despite missing Eden Hazard, Oscar, and the rest of their key contributors, Chelsea handled their Buckinghamshire opponents comfortably.
20 year old forward Patrick Bamford opened the scoring for Chelsea in 20th minute with an excellent left-footed volley, after a Nathan Ake cross from the left wing.
The star of the day for the Blues was undoubtably 17 year old Isaiah “Izzy” Brown, who was subbed on after halftime. The teenage sensation tallied two goals in the 48th and 87th minutes, respectively. Brown’s second goal was an astonishing curling shot into the top right corner, giving goalkeeper Matt Ingram no chance.
Captain John Terry got on the score sheet in the 52nd minute, after putting away a corner kick from Jeremie Boga. The youngster Boga continued his set piece brilliance 15 minutes later, sending in a tantalizing free kick, which was headed into the back of the net by defender Branislav Ivanovic.
Pre-season is always a time to give youth players some experience, but in a World Cup year, the presence of these young members in the squad will be all the more prevalent. Boga and Brown were the two clear standouts on the day, but overall the Blues looked cohesive
Upcoming Fixtures:
Chelsea travel to another League 2 side on Saturday, when they take on AFC Wimbledon. Jose Mourinho’s side will then begin their expanded European tour on Wednesday, July 23rd, traveling to Austria to face off with Wolfsberger AC.
