Chelsea host Legia Warsaw in midweek for the second leg of a Conference League quarter-final clash, and we’d urge Enzo Maresca to give one Blues prospect his senior debut.
On Thursday night, Chelsea welcome Legia Warsaw to Stamford Bridge in the Conference League.
The Blues are in total command of the quarter-final tie after winning the first leg 3-0 away from home last Thursday, so don’t be surprised if head coach Enzo Maresca makes wholesale changes to his team.
Without a doubt, the Premier League side are favourites to go the distance in this season’s Conference League competition. Even though it’s not as glamorous as other tournaments, it’s a chance for Maresca to win a trophy during his first season in charge.
Also, the Conference League has been a great platform for Blues youngsters such as Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong to shine this term. Maresca said he “fell in love” with Acheampong after his previous display against Legia Warsaw.
Enzo Maresca should hand Chelsea youngster Donnell McNeilly his first-team debut
The logical thing to do on Thursday evening is to give Chelsea prospect Donnell McNeilly a senior debut.
Whether it’s from the start or as an impact substitute, the 19-year-old youngster simply deserves first-team minutes in the upcoming Legia Warsaw fixture.
Even though McNeilly has trained with Chelsea’s first team at various parts of this season, he’s still waiting to officially make his senior debut. We think that the teenage English striker has become undeniable now and deserves first-team exposure because of his quality performances within the Blues academy.
For Chelsea’s Under-21s team this campaign, McNeilly has been a real star performer while leading the line. He scored again on Monday night when the Blues U21s beat Crystal Palace 4-2 away from home.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 18 | 12 | 2 |
In the 2024/25 season, Chelsea youngsters Acheampong, George, Shumaira Mheuka, Genesis Antwi, Kiano Dyer, Harrison Murray-Campbell and Ato Ampah have all experienced first-team minutes in the Conference League.
The fact that McNeilly still hasn’t made his senior debut is completely baffling to us, but Maresca has the perfect chance to put that right on Thursday.
The contract issue hanging over Donnell McNeilly
Without a doubt, McNeilly’s performances at youth level should have earned him a senior debut by now. However, we’re wondering if his ongoing contract saga is blocking his path.
As it stands, the teenage centre-forward is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer.
It’s been reported that McNeilly is yet to sign a new Chelsea deal despite receiving a contract offer from the club.
If the Chelsea youngster is handed first-team minutes, could it impact his decision-making on his future? The reality is that time is ticking fast on sorting his future.
