Chelsea
Three Chelsea youth academy stars to watch out for
Chelsea have been lauded by many as the club with the best youth academy in England. The Blues’ youth setup has produced a number of top players in recent times, including the likes of John Terry, Mason Mount, Reece James, Ron Harris, Jimmy Greaves, Terry Venables, and, of course, Declan Rice, who is the most expensive English player ever.
The club continues to nurture young talents, with recent graduates like Reece James, Fikayo Tomori, and Levi Colwill making an impact. Here are three Chelsea youth academy players to watch for in the coming seasons.
Harvey Vale
Harvey Vale is one of the brightest stars in the Chelsea academy right now, and his biggest strength is his versatility. The 20-year-old is a multi-faceted player who is capable of playing in almost any position, including the forward line, attacking midfield, wing-back, and full-back.
The Haywards Heath-born talent started out as a youth player at Crowborough, a local side. He later joined Fulham, where he was trialled in different positions before settling for a role as a midfielder. After six years at Fulham at age 16, Harvey Vale joined Chelsea, and he has been trying to join the club’s first team ever since.
In the 2022–23 season, Vale was sent on a short-term loan to Hull City, featuring for the Tigers for a brief period before returning to Stamford Bridge in January 2023. Subsequently, he spent the remainder of the season in the academy. Following this, in August 2023, Vale secured a long-term loan deal with Bristol Rovers.
It is at Bristol that Vale is undergoing a trial as a left-back, and he has shown exceptional performance in this role. Manager Joey Barton has recently drawn comparisons between Vale and former Arsenal and Chelsea player Ashley Cole, praising him for a series of impressive displays.
Ian Maatsen
Unlike Harvey Vale, Ian Maatsen spent most of his youth career in the Netherlands, playing for the likes of Feyenoord, Sparta Rotterdam, and PSV before moving to Chelsea in 2018. Born in Vlaardingen, Maatsen was picked up at a very early age by Feyenoord, and although the club allegedly dropped him a few years later for not growing like his other teammates, it didn’t stop Sparta Rotterdam from bringing him into their books.
After a two-year stint with Sparta Rotterdam, Vale made another move, this time to PSV, one of the prominent clubs in the Netherlands. His talent caught the attention of scouts while playing for the Under-16 team of the Netherlands national team, leading to his transfer to Chelsea in 2018.
Vale made his long-awaited debut in a significant 7-1 victory against Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup, entering the game as a substitute. Following his debut, he underwent loan spells at various clubs, including Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, Burnley, and his current stint at Borussia Dortmund, where he has been a regular presence in the first team.
Maatsen has bagged 143 appearances since joining Chelsea in 2018, including his loan deals and his appearances for the club’s U21 and first team. During the first half of the 2023–24 season, he made 12 appearances in the Premier League, a significant increase in top-flight involvement with Chelsea. Subsequently, Maatsen agreed to a loan move to Borussia Dortmund until the conclusion of the season.
Deivid Washington
Everyone was surprised when Chelsea decided to splash a whopping £17 million on Deivid Washington from Santos last year. He was one of the young players Chelsea decided to invest heavily in, and despite being signed for their U21 team with the hope of developing him into a first-team regular, Washington is still very highly rated at the club.
Given Washington’s proficiency as a goal-scoring forward, Chelsea was well aware of the talent they had acquired. They promptly secured him a seven-year contract, including the option to extend for an additional year. Despite being relatively young, born in 2005, Washington has made 18 senior appearances in his career, with 16 for Santos and two for Chelsea.
All hands point to the fact that Deivid Washington is one for the future, and all eyes are on him at Chelsea to make the most of his chances when he finally starts getting them.
Arsenal Dragon
Arsenal Legend Slams “Phantom Handball” Decision: WSL Not Ready for VAR Until Referees Go Professional
Ian Wright delivered a scathing assessment of officiating standards during Arsenal Women’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, calling Stina Blackstenius’ disallowed goal a “phantom handball” and “the hand of god that only the referee saw.” The Arsenal legend argued that the WSL must prioritize professionalizing referees before introducing VAR technology.
Read More: 3 Things We Learned From Arsenal’s 2-2 Draw Against Sunderland
Professional Referees First, VAR Second
Speaking on the Crossways podcast with Steph Houghton, Wright rejected immediate VAR implementation despite both managers demanding its introduction. “Firstly, instead of bringing in VAR, we need to get referees professional before we go anywhere near VAR so they can ref the game and have confidence in what they are doing. Then, VAR helps them,” Wright stated.
His criticism centered on the referee’s inexplicable decision to chalk off Blackstenius’ goal for handball when replays showed no contact whatsoever. Houghton noted Lucy Bronze’s reaction was telling—”nobody flinched” when the ball hit the net, suggesting even Chelsea players recognized the goal’s legitimacy before the referee intervened.
Wright suggested Italian football’s trial of manager VAR challenges could provide a solution. “If I got to see that incident with just a television screen and a different angle, I would be able to say to the referee in 30 seconds, she didn’t touch it with her hand. That game is too big for the referees and officials to be that definite about an incident.”
Infrastructure Barriers Block VAR Implementation
Both Wright and Houghton agreed the WSL lacks necessary infrastructure for VAR rollout. Wright highlighted practical obstacles: “You can’t be putting VAR equipment at Tottenham at Brisbane Road. You have also got West Ham playing at Dagenham and Brighton at Crawley. The infrastructure is not there for it.”
Arsenal were denied three legitimate goals during Saturday’s draw—Blackstenius’ phantom handball, Frida Maanum’s questionable offside, and Alessia Russo’s strike that stood despite offside debates. Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christiansen claimed Arsenal were “robbed,” while Wright insisted Chelsea were fortunate not to lose 3-1.
The controversy could prove decisive in the title race, with Arsenal remaining five points behind Chelsea after dropping two points through officiating incompetence.
Read More: Arsenal in the Hunt for 18-year-old Teenage Sensation from RB Leipzig
Mason Mount is an English professional football player who is currently playing for Manchester United and here, we learn more about his nationality, net worth, facts and family.
Coming out of the Chelsea academy, Mason Mount stepped up when he was needed the most. During Chelsea’s transfer ban, Frank Lampard didn’t have any option but to use academy stars. However, rather than backfiring, the process worked and brought significant success to the club. Mount has been one of the most crucial parts of the process and was a hero in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph.
Despite being very young, Mason Mount has achieved incredible success, which he has been able to handle properly. The young English prodigy is set to play for Man United from the 2023/24 season. To understand his day-to-day life properly we have to dive deep into his professional and personal journey. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Mason Mount’s net worth and salary
After a successful spell with the first team, Mason Mount signed a lucrative five-year deal with Chelsea in 2019. Considering the growth of the academy star, The Blues didn’t want to lose a prospect. Hence they agreed to a considerable wage offer. He then moved to the Manchester United for the 2024 season. Mason Mount earns £10,400,000 at Manchester United every year. This is almost 3 times higher than his salary at Chelsea. His value has increased over the years after great stats. The youngster is one of the best midfielders of this generation.
Mason Mount Club Career
Mason Mount’s father was a non-league football player during his time; hence his excitement and love for football in Mount probably came from his father. He started his football journey with local club Boarhunt Rovers and United Services Portsmouth. Due to his rapid growth, it didn’t take long for him to attract the eyes of some big teams.
At the age of 4, Mount spent one week at Chelsea. In 2005, the Englishman officially joined the academy. Later, he featured in U-18, U-21 level games for the Blues youth team. He played a significant role in the youth team’s 2016–17 U18 Premier League triumph by scoring ten goals in 30 matches. He won two FA Youth Cups, the UEFA Youth League.
During 2017 and 2018, Mount spent two loan spells at Vitesse and Derby County. He scored 11 goals and assisted six more in 44 matches for the English team and bagged 14 goals and ten assists while at the Dutch team. The experience helped him to improve his game.
Mount got his breakthrough in the first team in July 2019. He made his senior debut on 11 August 2019 in a 0–4 away defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League. The academy star scored eight goals and six assists in that season, helping Chelsea finish fourth in the Premier League.
Mount became more mature in the following season. He knew what he needed to do and excelled in his role as a midfielder. He became a star player in the team after current manager Thomas Tuhcel took over the charge in 2021. Mount scored nine goals, and nine assists in 54 matches, including a goal in the UCL semi-final against Real Madrid and an assist in the final against Manchester City.
Mason Mount lifted the UEFA Champions League last season with the team and became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge. Mount has been one of the best players in the team this campaign so far, scoring 12 goals and assisting 14 times. It remains to be seen what other accolades he achieves this term.
Mount is set to leave his boyhood club Chelsea to join Manchester United after the clubs agreeing a transfer fee of 55 million pounds. Erig Ten Hag is a huge fan of the player, and the player wishes to succeed with the Red Devils.
Mason Mount International career
Mason Mount has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels. Following his rapid growth at Chelsea, he was called up by manager Gareth Southgate to train with the senior team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He made his Three Lions debut on 7 September 2019 in England’s 4–0 home win over Bulgaria in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.
Mount participated in all the matches except two in the UEFA Euro tournament for England. The Chelsea playmaker was named in England’s 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Mason Mount Family
Mount was born on 10 January 1999 to Tony Mount and Debbie Mount. His father played non-league football during his youth. Later he coached local clubs, including Havant Town. We currently don’t know the occupation of her mother. We are unsure whether he has any siblings as well.
Mason Mount Girlfriend – Chloe Wealleans-Watts
Mason Mount is in a beautiful relationship with London-based girl group 303’s lead vocalist Chloe Wealleans-Watts. Even though we don’t know how they met, we believe the duo formed a connection during their first meeting. It evolved into love in no time, and they have been together since then.
Mason Mount Sponsorship and Endorsement
Nike sponsors Mason Mount. The English star endorses their products and promotes campaigns on all his social media accounts. Combat Gaming recently appointed him as their brand ambassador, earning lucratively.
Mason Mount Car and Tattoo
Mount doesn’t have any tattoos on his body. He drives a black sedan at this point.
Mason Mount Social Media
Mount is active on major social media platforms. His followers are slowly increasing as he is the face of his team.
Read More:
Arsenal Dragon
Arsenal Women Player Ratings vs. Chelsea: Alessia Russo Delivers Justice After Stina Blackstenius Handball Controversy
Arsenal Women salvaged a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in a controversy-riddled encounter that saw two late goals disallowed. Alessia Russo’s 87th-minute equalizer cancelled out Alyssa Thompson’s ninth-minute opener, keeping Arsenal within five points of the unbeaten leaders.
The Standout Performers:
Alessia Russo – 8/10 Delivered when Arsenal needed her most. After a quiet afternoon, swept home the crucial equalizer in the 87th minute despite appearing potentially offside in buildup. Her composed finish rescued a point after Stina Blackstenius’ controversial disallowed goal threatened to define the match.
Beth Mead – 7.5/10 England international struggled initially but delivered dangerous corner that led to Blackstenius’ controversially disallowed strike. Grew into contest as Arsenal dominated possession after Chelsea’s blistering start fizzled out.
Frida Maanum – 7.5/10 Substitute made instant impact off the bench. Thought she’d grabbed stoppage-time winner with composed finish past Hannah Hampton, only for offside flag to deny her what replays suggested was legitimate goal. Provided assist for Russo’s equalizer.
The Solid Showings:
Mariona Caldentey – 7/10 Looked most likely to provide magic to unlock Chelsea’s defense through quick feet and directness. Created opportunities with intelligent movement between lines.
Stina Blackstenius – 7/10 Repeatedly caught offside with poorly timed runs. Appeared to score perfectly good goal in 53rd minute after smashing home from corner, but referee Melissa Burgin controversially ruled it out for inconclusive handball.
Kim Little – 6.5/10 Struggled early as Chelsea dominated opening exchanges. Part of midfield that eventually wrestled control after sluggish first 25 minutes, growing stronger as match progressed.
Daphne van Domselaar – 6/10 Rooted to spot for Thompson’s opener. Fortunate not to concede second when Catarina Macario’s shot nearly squirmed through before bouncing off bar. Improved after shaky opening period.
Katie McCabe – 6/10 Enjoyed attacking moments against Lucy Bronze but struggled defensively with Chelsea’s attack-minded Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. Booked for bringing down Bronze before substitution after 60 minutes.
Read More: Granit Xhaka Reveals What Mikel Arteta Did on His First Day at Arsenal That Changed Everything
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”