Chelsea name 17-year-old son of former club chief in Conference League squad to face Legia Warsaw
ENZO MARESCA has named a 17-year-old to Chelsea’s Europa League Conference League squad for Thursday’s clash against Legia Warsaw.
Landon Emenalo could get his first minutes in the Blues’ quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League side were dominant in the first leg in Poland, with a first senior goal from Tyrique George, 19, and a brace from Noni Madueke giving them a 3-0 lead.
The Conference League has provided a chance for a number of youngsters to make their senior debuts for the club.
As well as George, Shumaira Mheuka, 17, and Samuel Rak-Sakyi, 20, have seen nearly all of their minutes come in this competition.
And Emenalo is the latest name in that list after being added to Chelsea’s first team squad for the first time ever.
The teenage midfielder was invited to train with the first team this week for the first time and was registered to Uefa overnight.
Emenalo is the son of former technical director and Nigeria international Michael Emenalo.
Landon has impressed for the U18s this season, scoring once in 12 games.
The youngster initially joined Chelsea through the Under-8s development centre.
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Although he spent time with Monaco, the defensive midfielder returned to Cobham during his Under-13s season.
Emenalo signed his first professional contract with Chelsea after celebrating his 17th birthday in January.
He was born in Arizona and has a US national mother that allows him the option of representing the United States or England.
Landon, who was reportedly raised as a Chelsea fan, is highly thought of at Cobham.
His dad Micheal played for clubs such as Notts County and San Jose Clash during his career before hanging up his boots to venture into coaching and board-level roles.
The 59-year-old worked as a scout and assistant manager for Chelsea between 2007 and 2011, before taking the role as technical director for six years.
During his time in SW6 he worked alongside managers such as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, while he was also part of the team that brought in players such as Kevin De Bruyne, N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.
Since then he has held the same position at AS Monaco and is now the president of the league association for the Saudi Pro League.
Chelsea ratings vs Ipswich
JADON SANCHO spared Chelsea's blushes as Enzo Maresca's side came from behind to draw against Ipswich.
The relegation-threatened Tractor Boys went 2-0 up after 31 minutes with Chelsea flat throughout the first half.
But Maresca’s men woke up after the break and fought back for what will still be a disappointing point as they chase a Champions League spot.
So who were the shining lights for the Blues – and who had an afternoon to forget?