Carney Chukwuemeka made 14 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last term (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has hailed ‘very talented’ youngster Carney Chukwuemeka ahead of the new season.

The 19-year-old midfielder joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £20m deal last summer, making 14 Premier League appearances for the west Londoners.

Chukwuemeka has been tipped for a bright future and Pochettino, who arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer, was quizzed about the England U20s international ahead of the Blues’ pre-season friendly against Fulham in the USA on Sunday.

‘He’s a player that can play in-between No.10 and No.8,’ Pochettino told NBC Sports.

‘He’s a very talented player, very good quality. In our dynamic, he can use different spaces on the pitch.’

Pochettino also spoke about fellow 19-year-olds Mason Burstow and Gabriel Slonina ahead of the match against Fulham after handing both men starts.

Burstow arrived at Chelsea in February 2022 from League One side Charlton Athletic and the young forward is yet to make his professional debut for the Blues.

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United States international goalkeeper Slonina joined Chelsea from Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire last summer and is also waiting to make his first pro appearance.

‘[Burstow] is a young player, it’s a good opportunity for him to start,’ Pochettino added. ‘We can only trust the players to see them play. It’s a good opportunity for him and our fans to see him.

‘[Slonina has had] a very short period of time working with us. All the information we have is very good. It’s a good opportunity to see him. Kepa [Arrizabalaga] needs a rest.’

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‘Very good quality!’