New Chelsea academy starlet Tyrique George reveals how advice from England and Blues icon has fired shock breakthrough

AFTER months of talk around Chelsea academy graduates leaving the club – it seems Blues fans may have another to get excited about.

Teenager Tyrique George has been handed a chance to impress in the United States by new boss Enzo Maresca this summer.

Not only was the 18-year-old winger named in the touring squad for pre-season but he was a surprise starter in the opening game against Wrexham at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

George was named on the bench by Mauricio Pochettino three times in Premier League games last season but never got on.

So against the Welsh side in California this was his first real chance to show what he can do – and there was plenty to like.

Despite his age the left winger was confident and composed on the ball, always looking to take on the defender in front of him and make things happen.

Some runs came off, others did not but across the 45 minutes he was given in the first half George never went hiding.

He said: “I was very excited and this is another big step in my career. It was such a good experience.

“I have been at Chelsea since I was eight years old so to have the chance to play for the first team for the first time, with players who not long ago I was watching on TV, was so special.”

Those players who he has been watching on TV have been impressed too.

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George has been in the thick of it in training Stateside, taking part in friendly challenges with far more senior teammates at the end of sessions.

Noni Madueke has long been a fan and supporter of George’s, impressed by his return of 14 goals and 10 assists across Chelsea’s youth teams last season.

His fellow winger has been one of a few players to support the youngster as he looks to make an impression on Maresca.

Veteran Raheem Sterling has made a lot of effort to ensure that George is settled and working hard at this level, while former Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is also a close friend.

George said: “When you are quite new to the group, having someone like Raheem give you advice when he has played at the highest level for so many years really helps.

“Having the chance to play alongside all these top players has been really good. You are learning new things every day from really experienced players.”

On the pitch in America, fellow academy graduate Levi Colwill has been giving George vocal support while Christopher Nkunku has also been keeping an eye on him.

The England Under-18 international has been with the Blues academy since the age of eight having been born in London to Nigerian parents.