NEPOTISM in football can only get you so far.
A famous surname or parents who achieved greatly might get you a spot in an academy, but without talent, there is no chance of making it to the game’s heights.
Instagram / @bellesilvaThiago Silva’s son Isago is part of the Chelsea academy[/caption]
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Chelsea however, have currently got three players on the books at Cobham who have both huge reputations to live up to, and also the talent to carve their own names into Stamford Bridge folklore.
The question is, with the amount of talent Chelsea already have and continue to buy in abundance, can these three young stars escape their fathers’ shadows and thrive on the biggest stage?
ISAGO DA SILVA
The son of Chelsea great Thiago Silva, Isago joined the Cobham setup when his dad moved over from PSG.
Similar to his dad in his younger years, Isago is something of a quiet student, learning his trade as a central defender with one of the best to ever do it as his idol.
Don’t get it twisted though, he might be calm but he is also a leader in a young group, composed under pressure and tactically sharp.
The 16-year-old already stands at 5ft10, and is able to play leftack as well as in the centre of defence, the kind of versatility admired by Enzo Maresca and shown by the club’s recruitment of Jorrel Hato.
A key player in Chelsea’s Under-15 Premier League floodlit cup triumph, Isago also made his debut for the U18 side last season, not looking one bit out of place against players older than him.
He undoubtedly has the biggest shoes to fill of the three, and probably the most hype around his name, but if he even becomes half the defender his father was, he’s going to be just fine.
Instagram / @bellesilvaBig things are expected of Isago da Silva[/caption]
GettyThiago Silva at PSG in 2020 with wife Belle and nd their sons Isago da Silva and Iago da Silva[/caption]
LANDON EMENALO
Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo’s son Landon is the first of the three famous kids to feature in a senior matchday squad, making the bench in the Conference League against Legia Warsaw.
The England youngster has already been a part of the Blues’ U21’s setup and signed his first professional contract in January.
Again, versatility is a word that stands out when profiling Emenalo, as he is able to play as a left-sided centre-back as well as in midfield.
A truly brilliant passer of the ball and a midfielder who is technically gifted with the ability to glide through opponents with ease – Landon Emenalo is one to watch for the future.
He is almost certainly one to look out for should Chelsea get a generous FA Cup or Carabao Cup draw against lower-ranked opposition, as the lack of Conference League football this season may see those first-team opportunities harder to come by.
GettyLandon Emenalo has represented both the USA and England at youth level[/caption]
GettyLandon Emenalo is highly rated[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationLandon’s dad Michael was once Chelsea technical director[/caption]
MATHIS EBOUE
His father Emmanuel is regarded as a cult hero in North London, but Mathis Eboue being a blue while his dad was a red is a contrast almost as stark as their playing styles.
In December last year, Chelsea completed a deal to sign the highly rated 16-year-old, before he signed a scholarship contract with the Blues in July alongside fellow star Ibrahim Rabbaj, both wearing a cool pair of shades.
While his father was a right-back, Mathis Eboue is forward-thinking and can operate on either wing or in the number ten role, loving to carry the ball incisively before striking the ball goalwards with either foot.
His dribbling ability and technical skill is perhaps where he shines the most, showcasing a range of skills and directness with the pace and physicality to get the better of most opponents trying to defend him.
Arsene Wenger once likened him to Gilberto Silva, but he has grown into quite a different kind of talent, and on a different side of London to the Brazilian.
ChelseaMathis Eboue, son of Arsenal cult hero Emmanuel, is also at Cobham[/caption]
GettyArsene Wenger compared Eboue’s, left, son to Gilberto Silva[/caption]
WILL THEY MAKE IT?
It’s tough to say at this age whether these three will follow Cobham greatness as John Terry and Reece James did, and go on to make hundreds of appearances for their boyhood clubs.
But they have certainly got the talent to go a long way in football.
The lack of Conference League football this season will not play into their hands, as games against lesser opposition will be few and far between in the upcoming campaign, with Enzo Maresca unlikely to be willing to offer chances to unproven prospects in the Champions League.
SunSport will be keeping an eye on their development this season as Cobham looks set for another golden generation of talent ready to come through their ranks.
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