For all the talk of a supposed “Number 9 Curse” at Chelsea Football Club, it looks like Tammy Abraham might have finally been able to break it, having inherited the famous shirt last season. After hundreds of millions spent on players seemingly destined for glory, it was an Academy Player who eventually stepped up to the plate in it.
Tammy isn’t the only young striker in the club excelling though, Jude Soonsup-Bell is a name you will undoubtedly all be aware of by now, and a player who could be destined for the top if he carries on his meteoric rise through youth football. Just 17 years old, it is Soonsup-Bell who currently sits in third place in the u18 Premier League goalscoring charts with 11 goals.
In fact, with his birthday on the 17th of January, Soonsup-Bell is just a few days into his 18th year on this planet and the talent is clear for all to see. Jude initially started life as a youth-footballer in the midfield, however, he’s since been deployed as a forward and it’s here that he’s really made himself feel at home.
His most memorable moment so far this season was surely his four goals against Barnsley in the FA Youth Cup. One of which was simply ridiculous.
Having found himself on the touchline with barely any room to maneuver, Jude somehow manages to keep the ball glued to his feet and round the first defender, he looks up but the goalie has compromised any chance of shooting from a very tight angle. Instead, Jude powers on and now finds his back to the goal with defenders wherever he looks. What happens next is a moment of sheer, unequivocal brilliance. With the ball still rolling he back heels sharply behind him and the opposition can only look on as it crosses the line. Only one word can really describe the whole ordeal:
Talent.
Many would’ve expected Jude to be given some kind of run out against Morecambe in the FA Cup 3rd round, extenuating circumstances forced Lampard into using one of his strongest line-ups. However, with a seemingly favourable draw in the fourth and fifth rounds, a good run of form for Chelsea will surely see Jude given his first minutes for the First Team against one of Luton or the potential next opponents Barnsley or Norwich. Norwich would be the likely winners of that draw, but Soonsup-Bell will be licking his lips at the chance to put another goal past Barnsley.
But what actually makes this guy so good?
Around 6ft tall, he still possesses an extraordinary ability on the ball which is a nightmare for opposition defenders. When you combine it with his speed, you have the perfect modern day attacker and his versatility, having played a number of different positions through youth football, can only be an asset.
I really don’t think I can express just how talented this kid is. Barely 17 years old, he can do anything he wants with his career at this point. I think after finishing his season with the Development Squad, we will see this guy loaned out next season to either a League One or Championship side, to ensure he’s getting a respectable amount of minutes upon turning 18.
Written by Jack @isoncfc
Edited by Jai Mcintosh @jjmcintosh5