That di Santo kid

[abramovich]

Is apparently doing very well for the ressies, scored a hat trick last night against Spuds.

Anyone see him play care to share the impression? Might he be the first youngster in so many years to actually break into the main squad next year?

[dreadis]

Managers like Rijkaard, Fergie and Arse-n might give him a chance...but not this moron we call Chelsea manager! I am looking forward to seeing him play next season!

[Dorset]

Is apparently doing very well for the ressies, scored a hat trick last night against Spuds.

Anyone see him play care to share the impression? Might he be the first youngster in so many years to actually break into the main squad next year?

It may not be legal to quote yourself, Abramovich, but this is what I said about him following a recent Reserve game against the Hammers...

'Continuing his development with yet another impressive leading of the line, this time paired with Claudio Pizarro, he laid on the first goal for his partner with a deft flick of his head and was a right pain to the Hammers defence all evening. Indeed, shortly after the opener, Franco clashed twice in the air with defenders and left them both requiring treatment. Let’s just say the kid likes a battle for the ball and the fact that he also chases down anything that moves, on the flanks or centrally, means that we will soon have a complete striker to call on.

Did I also mention his touch? No, well it’s pretty good for one so young and I particularly like his coolness in and around the box when he’s under pressure - stands tall and lays the ball off (a la Berbatov) with slow motion precision. Yes, as I think you might have guessed already, I believe he is a real find.'

If I had to compare him to anybody it would be Crespo, in terms of build and ability to find space. The fact that he's got pace as well is a real bonus.

[dkw]

no they wouldnt dreadis. he only entered the country in january and was never gonna get near the 1st team this season. would you really have wanted him dropped into this run in weve had?

[abramovich]

Managers like Rijkaard, Fergie and Arse-n might give him a chance...but not this moron we call Chelsea manager! I am looking forward to seeing him play next season!

To be fair, Jose wasn't exactly known for putting his faith into youngsters,either.

Di Santo was bought for the future and the signs are very promising, i hope he continues his development.

[wicksy]

Yeah he looks an excellent, prospect but let's not go overboard as many of our "promising" youngsters have failed to make the breakthrough over the years. The level we are at now makes it more difficult than ever for youngsters to bridge the gap between reserves and premiership/CL challengers.

Yes he scored 3 v Spurs ressies last night but 2 of them were pens!! That said, I am cautiously optimistic that he will make the grade.

[Qaz]

When Arsenal bought that Brazillian midfielder (I can't remember his name off the top of my head but I think it starts with an E) a few seasons back it took him over 12 months to make his first team debut. As far as signings go he was probably one of their less successful "big" signings (he cost around 8 million and eventually left on a free transfer to Spain), however Wenger was patient with the lad and only brought him in when he thought he was ready.

Grant is the current manager at Chelsea, he ultimately decided we should sign Di Santo. Unless his suddenly changed his mind about the guy (which is unlikely), he will get game time at some stage.

[Qaz]

Yeah he looks an excellent, prospect but let's not go overboard as many of our "promising" youngsters have failed to make the breakthrough over the years. The level we are at now makes it more difficult than ever for youngsters to bridge the gap between reserves and premiership/CL challengers.

Yes he scored 3 v Spurs ressies last night but 2 of them were pens!! That said, I am cautiously optimistic that he will make the grade.

Fair point Wicksy and generally I agree with you. However, this guy did cost a fairly substantial transfer fee (more than many Premiership strikers) and therefore more would be expected of him than a typical 18 year old in our youth setup.

[wicksy]

Yeah he looks an excellent, prospect but let's not go overboard as many of our "promising" youngsters have failed to make the breakthrough over the years. The level we are at now makes it more difficult than ever for youngsters to bridge the gap between reserves and premiership/CL challengers.

Yes he scored 3 v Spurs ressies last night but 2 of them were pens!! That said, I am cautiously optimistic that he will make the grade.

Fair point Wicksy and generally I agree with you. However, this guy did cost a fairly substantial transfer fee (more than many Premiership strikers) and therefore more would be expected of him than a typical 18 year old in our youth setup.

Yeah I know. He's not exactly been brought up through the ranks has he. Aparently other top clubs including Real Madrid and the Mancs were after him so much is expected of him. He seems a confident lad and with an eye for goal... something the first team badly needs right now!

[SydneyChelsea]

Yeah he looks an excellent, prospect but let's not go overboard as many of our "promising" youngsters have failed to make the breakthrough over the years. The level we are at now makes it more difficult than ever for youngsters to bridge the gap between reserves and premiership/CL challengers.

Yes he scored 3 v Spurs ressies last night but 2 of them were pens!! That said, I am cautiously optimistic that he will make the grade.

If you're talking about Edu, he suffered not one but two knee injuries and moved to Valencia after been fed up with England- Arsenal tried to keep him

[Qaz]

If you're talking about Edu, he suffered not one but two knee injuries and moved to Valencia after been fed up with England- Arsenal tried to keep him

I assume your responding me and not Wicksy who you quoted in your post, and yes, it was Edu.

[rahul]

I have never watched the kid as such but I've heard rave reviews about him. He is very much likened to Crespo, as someone pointed out, with added advantage of good pace. I think with the kind of dull performances we are getting in our final third, it would be worth a gamble giving him a chance at some point this season...where he could, maybe, come off the bench.

On the same note, I was not very pleased when Scot Sinclair was sent on loan after impressing in the limited chances he was given. More so, when our first team wingers, Joey apart, were not performing well enough, esp Malouda. He should have been preferred over Malouda...I know its debatable, but its just my view after watching both Malouda and Scot in action.

[Chelsea FC Champions]

Di Santo scored on his debut for Chelsea reserves on 11 February 2008, Getting a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw with Fulham Reserves. He wore the number '9' shirt during the game. Di Santo scored his second goal in as many appearances for the reserves team, against Reading F.C. reserves on 3rd March, 2008. On the 14th of April 2008, he scored his first hattrick for Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur reserves; the most notable of the three goals being a volley from a Branislav Ivanovic cross that found the top left corner.

International career

Franco Di Santo scored his first goal for the Argentina U-20 team while playing against France in 2006.He was also in the squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup which was played in Canada in 2007 which saw Argentina defeat Czech Republic 2-1 to win the World Cup. He also scored a goal in the tournament.The Captain for the Argentina U-20 side is Sergio Aguero who plays for Atletico Madrid.Argentina U-20 heard coach Sergio Batista described Franco Di Santo as a pacy and quick played in terms of Dribbling and ball control.He also compared him to the former Argentina U-20 player Lionel Messi.He joined the Argentina U-20 team in 2006.

The striker chose to introduce himself as 'a centre forward that moves around a lot. Sometimes I'll be out wide, but through the middle is best for me to score as many goals as possible. 'I like to think I can be a similar sort of player to Hernán Crespo,' he added. An Argentine Under-20 forward, Di Santo has been playing his football in Chile. 'I've been playing for a team there called Audax Italiano. My last season went well for me thankfully, and hopefully now that'll be the same here at Chelsea. 'I want to do as well as I can and respond by scoring goals, to start with in the reserves and hopefully soon I'll be playing with all the big names here at Chelsea.' Indeed Chelsea's exploits have not gone unnoticed with the youngster. 'Yes, I've seen a bit and heard a bit, and if I can reach their level one day, that would be great,' he said.

Indeed Chelsea are understood to have held off competition from nine rival Premier League clubs - including Manchester United, Liverpool F.C and Arsenal F.C - who all expressed an interest

[Maksimov]

Di Santo scored another goal for the reserves last night.

[ethicalstrategy]

He did. Although it wouldn't win too many style marks. Long kick by our goalie, defender let's it bounce through to keeper. Keeper moves off his line like an oil tanker and Di Santo loops a header over him as he comes out.

The thing that struck me most was how quick he is for someone so tall. I think he looks a very promising prospect.

[dkw]

the goal wasnt brilliant, but some of the other things he did was. he had a shot from an angle which was outstanding. he looks better and better every game.

[Plavi26]

Is apparently doing very well for the ressies, scored a hat trick last night against Spuds.

Anyone see him play care to share the impression? Might he be the first youngster in so many years to actually break into the main squad next year?

I watched the key moments off the game...he plays incredibly well, and well the hat-trick was two penalties but the second goal was a beauty. Btw, why can't the english squads have a B team...I mean we have Sidwell, Ben Haim, Paulo and Ivanonvic playing in our reserves

[TomP]

Btw, why can't the english squads have a B team...I mean we have Sidwell, Ben Haim, Paulo and Ivanonvic playing in our reserves

If you mean B and C teams like they have in Spain, then no thanks.

It makes a mockery of lower division football if you ask me.

You end up with ridiculous situations where the B teams can't be promoted, so a team finishing 3rd or 4th in the league gets automatic promotion.

I'm not sure how it works with relegation either - i'm not sure, but I don't think a B team can be relegated, so you would end up having to relegate a team who finishes above the relegation places.

[Maksimov]

I think they can relegated, but the B team can't play in the same league/division as the first team.

[Gem]

One reserve/youth player was invited on the trip...

I'm guessing for valuable experience... plus a hint that he might be in the first team squad next season.

Gio Dos Santos? Naah, Franco Di Santo

[Sheva]

He doesn't look that tall!

Hmn can't really tell since he's standing next to Essien and jumping next to Terry.

[Chelsea FC Champions]

He doesn't look that tall!

Hmn can't really tell since he's standing next to Essien and jumping next to Terry.

he's 6'4!

[Alan]

Must have been a good experience for the lad, I saw him come out and have a walk around the pitch in his club suit.

[dkw]

i think taking him to moscow was a definite attempt to get him ready for the 1st team squad next season. he definately looks to have the mental and physical strength to make the step up, hopefully we`ll get to see if he can next season.

[TheWestwayWonder]

Fingers crossed that he is ready, as I think the trip to moscow was a great move. I just hope that he isnt last option on the end of the roster come next season.

I hope he and Ivanoic are actually on the bench or (dear me) starting games next season