Chelsea's
young players might be FA Youth Cup and European champions but Jose Mourinho
believes Ruben Loftus-Cheek's first team breakthrough is the academy's
biggest accolade this term.
Loftus-Cheek, 19, made his debut in the Champions League win over Sporting
Lisbon in December and earned his first start in the 1-1 draw against
Liverpool last week.
Captain John Terry was the last player to graduate from youth team to
first-team regular but Mourinho clearly has plans for Loftus-Cheek,
insisting he could potentially keep any new signing out of the team.
"This year, the most important title for the academy was Ruben, not the
European or FA Youth Cup. It was Ruben," Mourinho said.
"Maybe he is better than the player I buy. And if he is, he plays and the
player I buy doesn't. But at the moment he's not better."
Another youngster Mourinho has high hopes for is striker Izzy Brown who is
set to make his debut on Monday against his former club West Brom, live and
exclusive on Sky Sports 1.
"Izzy Brown - he plays," Mourinho said.
"I want him to be champion and I want him to have his debut for Chelsea in
the Premier League at West Brom.
"It means double for him to play for Chelsea, to be champions and to play
against his old club."
Meanwhile, the Portuguese admits he is relieved Brazilian playmaker Oscar
will miss this summer's Copa America following his participation at the 2012
Olympics, 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup.
Mourinho said: "Now, for the first time, he'll have a proper rest, proper
holidays, proper pre-season - which he never had too - and hopefully that
can give him a base to develop.
"I really believe in Oscar's talent. I have many hopes for him."
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