19 years and 175 days: Ugochukwu makes full PL debut exactly the same age as Mikel was in first Chelsea start 

After making two substitute appearances in the Premier League, France underage international of Nigerian descent, Lesley Ugochukwu made his full Premier League debut on Sunday at the Vitality Stadium as Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Bournemouth. 

Aged 19 years and 175 days today, the defensive midfielder was handed his first Chelsea start at exactly the same age as Nigeria legend John Obi Mikel was when he made his full Premier League debut for the Blues, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

In the 2006-2007 season, Mikel appeared off the bench in matches against Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Charlton Athletic and Fulham, before Jose Mourinho gave him his first start in the Premier League at Reading on Saturday, October 14, 2006.

Mikel, who was 19 years and 175 days at the time of his first Chelsea start in the top flight, went on to start 183 games in the Premier League before he departed Chelsea for Tianjin Jinmen Tiger in January 2017.

Ugochukwu climbed up the pecking order of midfielders due to Chelsea's extensive injury list, with his rivals for a starting spot Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo in the treatment room. 

The French-Nigerian youngster moved to Chelsea on the back of his outstanding performances for Rennes last term and also being nominated for the 2023 Golden Boy. 

Ugochukwu has cited Mikel as his inspiration due to their shared position and heritage. 

Victory eluded Chelsea in their goalless draw with Bournemouth as they hit the post in the first half and the underside of the bar in the second half. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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