Antonio Conte is trying to promote Chelsea youth: These three can make it – Josh McEachran

The Blues academy product has seen a shift in attitude with the Italian now in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have long been criticised for their failure to see players progress into the first team from their academy.

And McEachran is a prime example of how a highly-rated youngster saw his career in west London stagnate before being let go.

The ex-England Under-21 international was repeatedly sent out on loan before leaving permanently for Championship outfit Brentford in 2015.

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Antonio Conte's been giving Chelsea youngsters a chance in their title battle

There’s Nathaniel [Chalobah], Ruben [Loftus-Cheek]. So I think they are definitely trying

Josh McEachran

But McEachran, 23, acknowledges how Antonio Conte is making a bigger effort now than previous managers, and a few players could buck the trend at Chelsea.

“This season they are doing more,” McEachran told The Telegraph.

“Ola Aina has been in and around. He’s not played that much but he’s been on the bench.

“There’s Nathaniel [Chalobah], Ruben [Loftus-Cheek]. So I think they are definitely trying.

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“Their academy system is unbelievable, they win everything – the youth cup, the Champions League, the reserve league.”

McEachran will return on Saturday with Brentford for their FA Cup fourth round tie at Chelsea (3pm).

And Conte is expected to give some of his fringe players and younger stars a chance to impress, with Tuesday’s Premier League showdown against Liverpool on the horizon.

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