The young attacker helped our Under-18s reach the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and win the Premier League Cup at that age group, while also featuring in the UEFA Youth League, Premier League 2 and Checkatrade Trophy.

His most notable achievement of the campaign was starting against the Bees in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals alongside fellow Academy graduates Xavier Simons and Jude Soonsup-Bell. He has made five senior appearances in total for Thomas Tuchel’s side, including in three rounds of the FA Cup.

The teenager joined our youth system from Fulham as an Under-13 and has progressed impressively through the age groups, playing in various positions on the left and in attacking midfield. He started the most games of any individual in PL2 this term, featuring from the start in 22 of the possible 26 matches, scoring six goals.

In addition, Vale started all seven UEFA Youth League games as our young Blues reached the play-off round of the competition.

On being named our Academy Player of the Season, Vale said: ‘It’s a massive privilege to win this award and I’m very grateful.

‘If you look at some of the players who have won it in the past, they’ve gone on to do great things for Chelsea and I hope I can do the same. Thank you for everyone’s support throughout the season and hopefully next season can be even better.’

The 18-year-old follows in the footsteps of Reece James, Billy Gilmour and Mason Mount in winning the award, chosen by coaching staff and senior management in the Academy.

Chelsea Academy Player of the Year

2015 - Dominic Solanke2016 - Fikayo Tomori2017 - Mason Mount2018 - Reece James2019 - Conor Gallagher2020 - Billy Gilmour2021 - Tino Livramento2022 – Harvey Vale