Reggie Walsh on his full debut. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca reveals which Chelsea academy star he likes 'more than the rest'

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Charlie Patrick | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 2:15 AM ET

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has admitted he likes all the “academy guys,” but his favourite is midfielder Reggie Walsh.

The Blues are preparing to take on Brentford on Saturday night, in the first of four consecutive away matches in three different competitions.

Given the number of games coming up Maresca is likely to shuffle the pack, and there could well be opportunities for some of the academy players.

Enzo Maresca really likes Reggie Walsh

Chelsea have got plenty of strength and quality in depth in their squad, and also have one of the best academies which has produced so many brilliant players.

Maresca showed last season he’s not afraid of using academy players, and handed debuts to a number of youngster in the Conference League.

One player Maresca handed a debut to was 16-year-old Walsh, who came on as a substitute against Swedish side Djurgarden.

Maresca labelled Walsh as perfect for his system, and speaking ahead of the Brentford game he admitted he likes the youngster more than any other academy player.

“I like all the academy guys but Reggie is the one I like more than the rest,” he told The Standard.

“I like Reggie because he is doing things that I’m demanding to the other players, but he is doing those things without me asking him to do that.

“I don’t need to ask him to do something. What he’s doing is already what I want from that player.”

Shim Mheuka and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen big talents

It’s not just Walsh who’s impressing, with Shim Mheuka and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen two other big talents also making a mark, and Maresca has confirmed the pair could get first team chances.

“They are in my plans, for sure,” Maresca stated.

“The other one (Kavuma-McQueen) for me is more of a winger, he scored four goals against Germany. I even watched that game. I was very impressed, but I already knew him.

“We always have one of my staff watching the second team (Under-21s) since last year, they told me that this guy was very good so I watched him. I think he’s good.”

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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