The success Ollie Harrison has already enjoyed during his first season with Chelsea has convinced him joining the Blues was one of the best decisions of his life, but he is eager for more in tonight's Under-18 Premier League national final against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Still in his first season since joining Chelsea from Newcastle United, Ollie Harrison has already achieved plenty in his debut campaign in the Blues Academy.
That includes captaining us to victory in the Under-17 Premier League Cup, which was lifted in April after a 3-1 victory in the final against Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as playing a key role in the side which claimed the Under-18 Premier League southern title this month.
The 16-year-old is already keen to add more after that first taste of success with Chelsea, though, and his sights are set on another triumph when we take on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the Under-18 Premier League national final on Tuesday evening.
‘It has been a great first season at the club,’ said Harrison. ‘Not only have we had an impressive league run and secured the southern title, but I have also lifted the Under-17 Premier League Cup trophy. Ever since then, I have been hungry for more.
‘This Chelsea move was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I feel like my standard of play has developed massively and my confidence on and off the field has escalated in ways that I could not have imagined.
‘I came to Chelsea because I wanted to win trophies, I wanted these big moments to perform. Now the opportunity is on my doorstep, I need to prove my talent and make the most of it.
‘I am proud to be a part of this club and hopefully I can continue working hard to ensure we add to the long list of trophies within this Academy.’
Harrison has been one of the many Academy players named on Mauricio Pochettino’s bench for the senior team this season. The midfielder was the youngest player to make the Chelsea Premier League matchday squad against Manchester City, when the side returned home with a point from a 1-1 draw back in February.
The midfielder reflects on that opportunity and how he will take the experience earned into this performance at Stamford Bridge.
‘I thrive off pressure and these are the big moments that I live for. These opportunities are great as they give you a sense of what it will be like when you break into professional football.
‘Back in February, I was called up to be a part of the first-team squad against Manchester City. During my time spent with the team, I had first-hand experience of the intense environment – which will be a lesson to take with me into this match.’
Harrison sees this opportunity as another step in his development as a player and towards his vision of making visits to compete at Stamford Bridge a regular occurrence.
‘We all want to end up at the Bridge full-time, so to get this chance so early in my career, I couldn’t ask for anything more.
‘I’m sure playing at the Bridge with everything on the line will push me even further and develop my football abilities.
‘To ensure my performance is to the top standard I will stick to my usual pre-match routines. Eating, training and sleeping well before the game is crucial to make sure I am physically and mentally at the level I should be.’
Tonight's match will be the last this season for Hassan Sulaiman’s Chelsea Under-18s side. The squad want to make sure they finish this excellent campaign on a high - and winning the Under-18 Premier League national title would definitely achieve that.
Harrison concluded: ‘We are absolutely buzzing that we have won two trophies already and we are ready to make it three at Stamford Bridge tonight.
‘It’s been great to share my first season with this group of lads and finishing it off at the Bridge, there isn’t any better ending.’