Playing for 90
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5 reasons Chelsea can conquer Europe

By Phillip Walton

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Diego Costa (2nd R) of Chelsea celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team-mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Diego Costa (2nd R) of Chelsea celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team-mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /
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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Nathaniel Chalobah of Chelsea wins a header during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on February 18, 2017 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Nathaniel Chalobah of Chelsea wins a header during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on February 18, 2017 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /

4. Finally, give youth a proper sustained chance

Ultimately, not being in Europe this season has enabled Conte and his players to concentrate on domestic matters. Chelsea FC are in a very strong position to win a domestic double. Despite a jittery start the Italian quickly returned to the formation that has reaped him, historically, the best results. Without the hectic logistics schedule of Champions League football Chelsea FC have been able to heavily rely on the same small group of trusted players.

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Qualification for next year’s premium European competition now looks in easy reach. This will mean in the first instance an additional eight fixtures including four energy sapping away ties. To ensure continental success Conte will need access to a larger playing squad.

One of the biggest complaints aimed at Chelsea FC during the Roman Abramovich years is the lack of opportunity presented to the clubs youngsters from the much-heralded Youth Academy. Development of the next batch of excellent Chelsea FC youngsters is once again going very well and are again on the path to FA Youth Cup glory. A tremendous feat that may see Chelsea FC in their fifth consecutive premier youth competition.

Chelsea have continuously dominated the youth ranks in England, however, despite this success the pathway to the first team has been continuously blocked by expensive European imports. Abramovich’s lust for success often means that a rotation of managers neglects the clubs local youngsters for more experienced players. A phenomenal amount of Chelsea youngsters are once again out on loan. Nathan Ake was excellent whilst on loan at AFC Bournemouth and was quickly re-called back by his parent club and yet again Ake has fallen victim to the ethos of the club as he idles his time away on the bench.

It is imperative as Conte looks to purchase expensive key players that home-grown performers such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and versatile Nathanial Chalobah are subjected to regular first team football at their contracted club and not sporadic substitute appearances. Hopefully these highly talented youngsters and bright hopes like them can seize any opportunity that is sent their way, in the first instance supplement the squad and then develop into regular key contributors.

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