CHELSEA could pick a team with an average age of just 19 based on those who have already played for them this season.
Blues boss Frank Lampard was loving the impact of his young stars after they obliterated Grimsby 7-1 in the Carabao Cup third round clash last night.
He picked Billy Gilmour, 18, Marc Guehi, 19, and Reece James, also 19, out for particular praise after they helped secure his first home win.
James was so good that fans were predicting his impact means the end for Cesar Azpilicueta.
And, amazingly, Chelsea, that club criticised for not graduating top academy stars into first team players regularly enough, are showing the value of believing in youth.
So much so, in fact, that a starting XI of their youngest players this season would be just 19.5 years old on average.
Keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga would be the eldest at the grand old age of 24.
James, Fikayo Tomori (21), Guehi and Ian Maatsen (17) make up the back line.
In midfield is Gilmour (18) and Faustino Anjorin (17).
Christian Pulisic (21) can go on the right wing with Mason Mount (20) in the middle and Callum Hudson-Odoi (18) on the left.
Tammy Abraham (21) slots in up top.
The average age of those players is just 19.5.
James and Hudson-Odoi were among those to score in the thrashing of Grimsby.
And Lampard took full notice of how well his youngsters did.
He said: It was pleasing on a lot of levels. It was not complete.
“But I’m pleased some players who have not been playing so many minutes played, some debuts, and the young lads who came on improved the team, which was nice.
“I thought Gilmour ran the game from midfield, and Guehi was solid. They’ve been outstanding this year.
“With his end product Reece showed what he can do, an assist and a goal, but Reece’s performances on loan last year at Wigan showed the talent he’s got.
“‘I think he’s going to be a big player for this club. It’s just the start for Reece.
“And the young subs showed how comfortable they are on the ball. Now the hard work starts to get in the team regularly.
“It says a lot about the academy, and nights like this give the opportunity to mix the team up and give them a chance.
“It gives good recognition to the academy.”
