Chelsea have added another academy graduate to their senior squad for the first time, and the player has a notable connection to a former Premier League star.
Enzo Maresca’s side has been performing impressively in the Conference League, winning all four of their group stage matches to date.
The team has showcased a potent attack, netting 18 goals so far.
The Italian manager has taken a cautious approach with some of his key players, such as Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia, choosing to rest them to better manage their workload.
This strategy has allowed Maresca to give opportunities to players with fewer Premier League minutes.
As a result, young prospects have been given chances to feature in the squad, with 11 academy players now registered for Chelsea’s upcoming match against Astana, a team from Kazakhstan.
While the exact list of players traveling to Kazakhstan has not been finalized, the Daily Mail confirms that these 11 academy players are officially registered in the UEFA squad for the tournament.
UEFA regulations allow European squads to include up to 25 senior players, but clubs can add an unlimited number of List B players.
These List B players must be born on or after January 2003 and have been eligible to play for their club for at least two years since turning 15.
Among the most notable inclusions is Richard Olise, a 20-year-old right-back who has been making strides in Chelsea’s academy.
Olise, who extended his contract with the club in May, made 10 appearances for Chelsea’s U21 side last season and has also competed in the UEFA Youth League.
A versatile defender, he can play as a centre-back as well. Born in London, Olise has represented England at the U18 level.
Richard Olise is the younger brother of Michael Olise, a former Crystal Palace standout who joined Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window.
Michael, also London-born, plays for the French national team due to his French-Algerian background and time spent in France during his upbringing.
Since moving to Bayern, he has enjoyed a strong start, recording five goals and five assists in 13 Bundesliga appearances.
As Richard prepares for the potential opportunity to play against Astana, his older brother Michael will likely be following the match closely.
The Olise family’s football legacy continues to grow, with both brothers making their mark at the highest levels of European football.
