Nicoll-Jazuli's physical presence belies his age

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Seven academy players have been taken on Chelsea's pre-season tour - and they will all be looking to impress new boss Xabi Alonso.

The Blues are travelling to Australia with a 26-man squad, and are facing Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham.

Almost all of the academy players have been training with the first team throughout Alonso's first two weeks in charge, featuring in behind-closed-doors friendly wins against Crawley Town and Bromley.

However, they could return to London during the Asian leg of the tour if the players involved at the World Cup rejoin the squad.

Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli is one of the young players hoping to make an impact and break into a star-studded - perhaps oversized - Chelsea squad.

Named on the bench for Tuesday's game against Western Sydney Wanderers, he is the second-youngest player on the tour at just 16 years old, although his physical presence belies his age.

Nicoll-Jazuli became the youngest starter and goalscorer in the Uefa Youth League last season and has consistently played above his age group thanks to his outstanding athleticism.

He is developing into a high-energy, technically gifted midfielder in the mould of Cobham graduate Mason Mount.

His involvement on the tour represents something of a homecoming. His mother is Australian and he is eligible to represent Australia, France and England at international level. He currently plays for England at youth level.

Alonso said: "I'm really impressed with him. Mahdi is one of the talents we need to develop, as he has special qualities that you don't often see in a 16 year old.

"He is a dynamic player. He can pass short and dribble in the middle. He has made a good impression so far."

Chelsea are delighted to have secured Nicoll-Jazuli's long-term future, after facing competition from leading French sides, with a new contract set to be signed when he turns 17 in January.

Read more about the academy stars looking to break through at Chelsea

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