Lewis Baker has signed a new 5 year deal, great news as I hope he is one who can make the step up to first team squad.

 

Can we please not have this turn into the usual "he will never play for us.....we destroy young players.....whats the point..." thread.

 

http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/08/new-deal-for-baker.html

hope he gets a chance in a few cup games and sub appearances in the prem if we're cruising

Big hopes for Lewis, hopefully we can successfully integrate him into the first team squad. I'd like to see him get minutes in matches that are 'won' alongside the established first team players as opposed to scratch sides we might throw out in cup ties.

Probably my favourite player since jt from the academy. How many players can score 25 yrd free kicks with either foot! Think he could be the one who makes the break through.

He'll be our next Lampard! 

Lewis Baker has signed a new 5 year deal, great news as I hope he is one who can make the step up to first team squad.

Can we please not have this turn into the usual "he will never play for us.....we destroy young players.....whats the point..." thread.

http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/08/new-deal-for-baker.html

Sorry to ignore the request but tactically I question if this is the right way to handle academy prospects.

Whether the like of Josh and Chalobah were ever really good enough is for debate but by giving such young boys big long term contracts (I'm assuming Bakers is pretty big) gives them the idea that they have made it and takes away some of the hunger and desire.

Definition of insanity - doing the same thing time and again and expecting a different outcome.

Sorry to ignore the request but tactically I question if this is the right way to handle academy prospects.

Whether the like of Josh and Chalobah were ever really good enough is for debate but by giving such young boys big long term contracts (I'm assuming Bakers is pretty big) gives them the idea that they have made it and takes away some of the hunger and desire.

Definition of insanity - doing the same thing time and again and expecting a different outcome.

It's a difficult situation though, as you don't want to lose your vest prospects for free. I dont think the club still hand out massive contracts to youth team players, it's probably filled with incentives and bonuses.

Interesting.

It's about time a young one broke out like Terry all those years ago. We need the homegrown boost for next season and beyond too.

I suppose it's harder these days since we are one of the top clubs in the world and thus we are expected to have world class players in every position so it's a tough ask fitting a young boy in.

Is he registered for us this season? If so hopefully he can get some minutes in the cups ect to ease himself in or if not then definitely next season.

Interesting.

It's about time a young one broke out like Terry all those years ago. We need the homegrown boost for next season and beyond too.

I suppose it's harder these days since we are one of the top clubs in the world and thus we are expected to have world class players in every position so it's a tough ask fitting a young boy in.

Is he registered for us this season? If so hopefully he can get some minutes in the cups ect to ease himself in or if not then definitely next season.

He's under 21 so he doesn't have to be registered. Hopefully he'll get some minutes in the carling cup.

Top class player. I have no doubt that he will make it into the big time. Great news. 

To say he's the best prospect since JT is exciting for sure! Not seen much of him myself but judging by everyone's opinions of the lad I'll keep an eye out.

He's been named England under 20 captain for the game vs Romania. He's certainly a talented kid and already a good player.

http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/09/academy-graduates-in-first-team-squad.html

He'll be our next Lampard!

Whilst I don't want to sound like a piss on the chips type guy, never mind Lampards replacement, I would be over the moon if he managed Mikel or Cleverley's level. We haven't even been able to produce anyone who had enjoyed a career above the Championship since Terry.

That's not to say I'd hate on him and bin him at the first opportunity though, even to have a base of squad players who are homegrown would be a fabulous achievement for the club. This is where I feel we have lacked behind The big clubs in the past, Real, Barce, Utd and Bayern have always had funds to buy the top players because they haven't had to pay to pad their squads out.

Baker really does look special but to bill him as Lampards replacement (he could be) is pilling a lot of pressure on a player who hasn't even played a half of first team football.

Edited September 6, 201411 yr by Shotgun883

What's the point really when all we do is destroy young players, he'll never get a chance to play for us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In all seriousness it's very good news, looked some player in the limited minutes I've seen of him.

Whilst I don't want to sound like a piss on the chips type guy, never mind Lampards replacement, I would be over the moon if he managed Mikel or Cleverley's level. We haven't even been able to produce anyone who had enjoyed a career above the Championship since Terry.

 

There's been a few, Bertrand, Huth, Borini, PVA of the top of my head. Although, in fairness, none of those are world-beaters and none of the four started their youth career at Chelsea, though they all finished it there.

Jack Cork? Plays at quite a high level now with Southampton.

 

There's been a few, Bertrand, Huth, Borini, PVA of the top of my head. Although, in fairness, none of those are world-beaters and none of the four started their youth career at Chelsea, though they all finished it there.

 

Spent his whole youth with us I think.

Good points well made lol.

Sorry to ignore the request but tactically I question if this is the right way to handle academy prospects.

Whether the like of Josh and Chalobah were ever really good enough is for debate but by giving such young boys big long term contracts (I'm assuming Bakers is pretty big) gives them the idea that they have made it and takes away some of the hunger and desire.

Definition of insanity - doing the same thing time and again and expecting a different outcome.

what do other clubs do? if man united/arsenal who produce young first team players fairly regularly offer shorter contracts, then there would definitely be an argument to look at that. if they offer 5 year deals the same as us, then we can assume that is not the issue, and instead look at how we develop these players, and decide on a clear pathway for youngsters to reach our first team if they show ability. it's an interesting point though, i guess a long term contract would, even sub-consciously, allow a player a certain 'comfort zone' that they cant really afford as an unproven player at a top, top club 

Interesting that there was a decent sized piece about him in the DM yesterday.

Interesting that there was a decent sized piece about him in the DM yesterday.

You got a link? Can't find it.

You got a link? Can't find it.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2745978/Chelsea-midfielder-Lewis-Baker-captains-England-U20-6-0-win.html

Jack Cork? Plays at quite a high level now with Southampton.

Spent his whole youth with us I think.

Hes a sub at Southampton, a fairly average one at that. Out of those mentioned Id say PvA and Bertrand are the best of a mediocre bunch and neither would ever get on the pitch if they were still at Chelsea

If the club are making a song and dance about him being promoted, they must believe in him.

I have a feeling he will get a decent run throughout the season, especially in games that are sown up.

When is our next capital one cup game? I really hope he can impress Mourinho and break through. We barely have English players, let alone ones from our youth.

Edited September 8, 201411 yr by CFCholland