How Chelsea learned to tap into the potential of their 'world class' academy

For much of Roman Abramovich's 19-year ownership, the aim has been instant. It was win or change until the club won.

Despite enjoying a reputation for one of the finest academies in England, the lack of long-term vision restricted opportunities for young players. John Terry made his way through the youth ranks for his debut in 1998, but few followed in his footsteps.

When Frank Lampard became manager in the summer of 2019, everything seemed to change.

Now, with Thomas Tuchel in the hot seat, and with five academy graduates in their squad and a youth production line that is the envy of the Premier League, the Blues go into Sunday's Carabao Cup final againstLiverpool with five academy graduates in their squad and a youth production line

'The transfer ban was the best thing that could have happened'

One of these graduates, Mason Mount, has since become a regular member of England's senior squad and has made more than 100 appearances for the club. His family wondered if he was the right choice for him after he spent time on loan in the Netherlands with Vitesse and then with Frank Lampard at Derby.

The academy, the quality of the coaching and everything associated with it was world class according to Mount's father Tony. I had been there for nine years before Mason got a scholarship, and I didn't change my mind about him staying there.

I told Mason that no player in the first team since John Terry had progressed or sustained a career. The clubs were talking about pathways. Mason told me that he was going to go all the way, even though I made them aware.

The transfer ban made the difference. It was all about timing. Mason was fortunate to have a year with Frank at Derby, as he was one of the people who came back in at the right time.

We knew the door would open. I think the club have seen some real talent in the academy and that's why Thomas Tuchel has the same philosophy as Frank. The transfer ban was the best thing that ever happened to a lot of parents.

'There were lost years'

There is a growing list of graduates. Some of them are doing well on loan in the Premier League, such as Tino Livramento at Saints. Since leaving the club, Fikayo Tomori and Tariq Lamptey have made a difference. There have been many missed opportunities.

At various stages in their development, Declan Rice, Raheem Sterling, and Rhian Brewster all spent time at the training base. Martin Taylor was a youth scout for the club.

The strength of the club has always been in their recruitment and scouting, but they haven't had the managers to play young players. Taylor says that the likes of Avram Grant and Antonio Conte didn't have the time.

What they do well is send players out on loan. There has been a change in culture, which has led to the two players playing there next season.

They have got money and have always spent it. They can now find the right player and spend a lot of money on them because they have some good young players that are getting the chance. There were lost years before, and that was due to the fact that Lampard was key to that.

'Everybody understands the door is open'

The benefits from an international point of view are clear, according to Tony Mount.

He says that any manager that came in was not likely to be there for long. The ethos was that it has been a revolving door. I know the academy managers believed in the boys and they were frustrated.

When Mason was offered a scholarship, I talked about the offers. What could they say? They couldn't tell me anything. The boys got their chance because of the transfer ban, but we were very lucky that Frank came in and believed in them.

There is a family resemblance. Mason can play anywhere in the middle of the field. I have seen him play up front in the academy. There is a possibility that Chalobah can play centre-half, full-back. This is what makes Chelsea stand out and what England are benefiting from.

I believe that the door is open now that the hierarchy understands it. There are a couple of youth players in senior training. Mason used to say he didn't want to train with the first team and be a mannequin, he wanted to add something to the session. If you trained, you would be a mannequin.

The club have won every major trophy since 2003 and there have been 13 different managers. An impressive youth set up was not used for a long time. It appears those days are over.