Chelsea took their first steps in pre-season yesterday as a mixed team took on Bohemians in Frank Lampard's first game in charge of the Blues.
The match finished 1-1, however for Lampard is was a chance to get a look at some of the more fringe players and also to give the opportunity for some of the younger players.
The Blues had seven teenagers who featured for 45 minutes last night against the Irish side and tried to put their mark down in front of Lampard.
Chelsea are currently in the middle of a transfer ban, so there is a possibility that some of the wonderkids might be able to force themselves into the first team.
Lampard was impressed with the youngsters, saying after the game: "We wanted to win the game as you always do but it is not about that. It is about individuals getting fit and pushing themselves to the limit and I thought some of the performances – particularly from the younger lads – was really good."
But how di the teenagers get on at Dalymount Park?
Dujon Sterling
Took his first steps into regular senior football last season at Coventry City having been given a chance in the Chelsea frst team for a few matches by Antonio Conte.
A talented right-back, however he has been overshadowed by the emergence of Reece James and his time at Wigan Athletic, that was so eye-catching.
Sterling showed some glimpses on the ball, getting high up the pitch, which at times left him a little exposed when it came to balls down his flank.
Obviously difficult to make a massive impression in 45 minutes, but didn't quite make an impression. Rating out of ten: 5
Conor Gallagher
Playing in a slighty more advanced role than he would usually do for the academy, playing just behind the front man, Michy Batshuayi.
The most encouraging thing was his runs into the box and looking to link up with those around him.
A couple of really nice balls out wide and impressive defensively as well, looking to press high and working hard through the 45 minutes. Rating: 7
Marc Guehi
The young centre-back started the game next to the experienced Cesar Azpilicueta, and he had a solid 45 minutes in the heart of the defence.
Bohemians had a decent trialist, who had pace and liked to run with the ball at his feet, but Guehi marshalled it well.
Had to cover Kenedy at times as well, with the Brazilian getting caught out of position as he looked to press high and get involved in the attacking play. Rating: 7
Ethan Ampadu
When the teams came out it looked like Ampadu might play as a centre-back, but instead Lampard used him in the midfield role next to Danny Drinkwater.
And it certainly worked with the young Welshman doing a great job of getting his foot in, but also linking up the play around him as well.
It was interesting when the centre-backs had the ball, that Ampadu would slot in between them to get it off them and then play from there.
He looked comfortable in the position and assured through the 45 minutes. Rating: 8
Jamie Cumming
It was a pretty quiet second 45 minutes for the youngster, except for the very end of the match when Bohemians scored their equaliser.
A couple of times he had to come out and punch away balls that were thrown into his box, but he did that pretty well.
Doesn't quite have the presence of Marcin Bulka, however could do nothing about the goal that was smashed past him. Rating: 5
Ian Maatsen
As the youngest member of the squad that have travelled out to Ireland, there was some encouraging moments from the 17-year-old.
A lovely bit of skill early on showed that he had the confidence early on and he made some brilliant runs going forward, looking to attack.
It was a really encouraging display at times, however for the Bohemians goal he was caught out of position. Which is all just part of the learning curve. Rating: 6
Billy Gilmour
Probably the most encouraging performance from any of the youngsters was that of Billy Gilmour, with the 18-year-old really shining in the second half.
Playing in a similar position to the one that Gallagher did, Gilmour was always looking to get on the ball and would sometimes drop deeper to have the ball at his feet more.
Some of his passes were superb as well, while he almost scored a great goal in the second half that would have capped off his evening.
A very encouraging 45 minutes from the 18-year-old Scot. Rating: 8
