The young defender breaking through at Chelsea

Chelsea's 15-year-old left-sided defender Calvin Diakite has established himself as an ever-present member in the under-18s this season all while playing above his age group.

The England youth international, who is eligible for Ivory Coast through his parents, is expected to sign his first professional contract in west London on his 17th birthday, which is not until April 2026.

Club scout Fiona Armfield spotted Diakite playing for Dynamo in Catford as a 10-year-old and he chose the Blues over fierce rivals Tottenham.

At the time, the Lewisham-based youngster was playing in central midfield and attempting to emulate his idol Yaya Toure, but he was soon converted to a defender in Chelsea's academy. Ex-Chelsea and now Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is the main player he looks up to.

Good on the ball, quick and exceptional in one-v-one defending, Diakite has looked at home in the under-18s, and was previously given advice from former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek before he departed for AC Milan last summer.

Diakite fell in love with football through his father, who took him to Premier League matches at Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Watford after relocating to the United Kingdom.

Chelsea have succeeded with Diakite in the team, winning multiple trophies with him in the under-16s last season and further success expected for him within the prestigious Cobham-based academy.

Enzo Maresca have given debuts to youngsters Tyrique George and Sam Rak-Sakyi this season, with 17-year-old Shim Mheuka making the bench in the Conference League just days after signing his first professional deal.