'I trust young players' - Maresca cites George as proof of Chelsea's academy pathway

Speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reaffirmed his faith in academy graduate Tyrique George ahead of the Premier League match with Liverpool.

Maresca stressed that his trust in young players extends beyond those signed from elsewhere but also to homegrown talents emerging from Cobham.

He cited the progress of George and fellow academy product Josh Acheampong as clear examples of the club's long-term philosophy, noting that both had been deliberately integrated into the senior setup last season.

Maresca explained that giving Acheampong and George opportunities alongside senior players was part of a wider effort to ensure academy prospects transition smoothly into first team football.

"Again, I think it's a fact that I really trust the young players. Not just the young players that we buy, but also the young players from the academy," Maresca was quoted as saying by Football.London.

"Again, we gave games last year to Josh Acheampong, having players on the bench, senior players. So that shows that I trust young players.

"The same thing happened with Ty [George]. So I really trust all the players we have. As you said, in this moment we have four or five defenders out.

"But we're going to try to adapt and find the right solution for tomorrow."

After a failed deadline day move to Fulham, George has earned valuable minutes this season, logging 269 minutes spread across five games in all competitions.

With eight senior players, including Tosin Adarabioyo, facing fitness concerns ahead of the Liverpool encounter, the England youth international of Nigerian descent is expected to be in strong contention for a place in Chelsea's matchday squad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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