Highly-rated academy starlet a surprise inclusion in Chelsea’s FA Cup squad vs Barnsley

Academy starlet Lewis Bate has been included Chelsea’s FA Cup squad vs Barnsley

According to the Metro, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has included teenage academy midfielder Lewis Bate in the squad for the FA Cup trip to Barnsley.

The 18-year-old has been training with the Blues’ senior squad this week but is yet to make his professional debut for his boyhood club. However, the youngster now has a golden opportunity to enter the field of play when Chelsea lock horns with the Tykes in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Bate isn’t the only academy youngster to be included in the squad, though. Tuchel has also called upon Tino Anjorin, who has been in sparkling form for the U-23s, to travel to Oakwell. Meanwhile, Billy Gilmour could be set for a start after barely featuring under the new manager.

Bate, who rose through the youth ranks of Chelsea, made a big impression in the U-18 Premier League last season. The teenager contributed with 4 goals and 4 assists in just 13 appearances while also playing a part for the U-19s in the UEFA Youth League. 

The left-footed enforcer’s impressive development has seen him feature regularly for the club’s U-23 side this term. Bate is yet to score or register an assist in 11 appearances so far this season but won the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award in December.

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Former manager Frank Lampard was instrumental in bringing through a host of young talents from the club’s academy last season. The likes of Armando Broja, Marc Guehi, Ian Maatsen and Anjorin made their debuts while Reece James, Gilmour, Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount have continued to be a part of the set-up under Tuchel.