Jerome Boateng has given his backing for a trio of Bundesliga youngsters to impress in the Premier League next season.
Chelsea have already signed RB Leipzig's Timo Werner this summer, whilst the Blues are also keen on Kai Havertz at Bayer Leverkusen.
England and Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge but looks more likely to join Manchester United.
Former Manchester City Boateng, currently at Bayern Munich, believes the trio have thrived in Germany thanks to the patience that Bundesliga clubs show with youngsters.
Speaking to the Guardian, he feels that all three could impress in the Premier League but would need time to adapt.
“The Bundesliga teams give young talent time to grow,” Boateng said.
“They feel well treated in Germany. They have time to grow slowly.
"Sometimes as a young player you have times when you don’t play so well. In some other countries, I think it is really strict – they have a bad game, they are out for weeks.
"In Germany they take care of them.
“All these players had really good seasons. Kai, Timo and Sancho are all really good talents.
"They have played for a long time now and I think they are all ready for the Premier League.
"Of course you have to show that first of all. It’s not that easy because it’s a different league. The intensity is different. It’s a different style of game.
"They have to see if they feel comfortable and like it there.”
The 31-year-old is not against a return to the Premier League himself, revealing that he did not settle into Man City properly during his time in England.
He said: "I would not say no. I loved it when I was there.
"For me it was really unlucky because I got injured straight away and then I didn’t really play the position they promised me.
"But I still took a lot from playing in the Premier League. It helped me a lot to play and train with great players. I am definitely down for it, but I don’t know for the future.
"You never know. But it’s not that I would say: ‘I never want to play there.’
"It’s one of my favourite leagues for sure."
