As the Academy continues to shift focus back to league action following the September international break, with the Under-18s returning on Saturday after our Under-21s did so three days ago, the players are busy preparing for this weekend's upcoming fixtures.

Among them is Mheuka, fresh from representing England Under-18s, and now fully focused on securing three points for the Blues.

The 16-year-old has had a whirlwind start to the 2024/25 season, from signing his scholarship at Stamford Bridge to making his debut for the Under-21s in the opening Premier League 2 clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

'It’s been an amazing couple of weeks,' smiled Mheuka. 'It’s been super busy! I’ve been away with England, but now I’m back at Cobham, feeling good, and ready to return to league action.

'As a 16-year-old stepping up to the Under-21s squad, it was a proud moment, and it can be tough at times. But I feel like I’ve handled the situation well and embraced every opportunity that’s come my way.

'Getting a taste of Under-21s football has been great and has definitely pushed my performance even further.

'Learning how to develop my play from Filipe [Coelho, Under-21s head coach] has been eye-opening, especially through taking advice and watching the older players who have more experience than I do.

'I feel extremely lucky to be in this position, as it helps me apply what I’ve learned back onto the pitch in the Under-18s fixtures. I’m always willing to learn and continue developing, that’s essential to reaching the top.

'To be honest, I felt I deserved my debut for the Under-21s, because I’ve been working extremely hard and I think that’s been reflected in my performances. I have to take everything in my stride and seize every opportunity that comes my way. As a striker, I’m focused on scoring more goals.'

Having returned from international duty last week, Mheuka believes that experience is helping him continue to improve his performance levels. With his focus now shifting back to league action, the youngster emphasises one key aspect crucial to maintaining his momentum.

He said: 'Playing for your country is a massive achievement. It’s a great experience to compete with players from different regions, bringing together the best of the best.

'To stay fit as I return to club football, especially during this busy period, it is crucial to prioritise recovery. One thing I’ve learned is the importance of taking care of your body, both physically and mentally. For instance, eating the right foods to ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients is essential.

'I’ve been concentrating on taking care of my body by eating well, doing recovery sessions in the gym and getting enough sleep. Every bit of effort adds up and significantly impacts your overall performance.'

Although he has already accumulated some impressive experience, it was only this summer that Mheuka graduated from schoolboy football and signed his scholarship with the Chelsea Academy. That occasion at Stamford Bridge made quite an impression on the ambitious striker.

'Signing my scholarship at Stamford Bridge was an incredible experience,' he said. 'It meant a lot to have the opportunity to join a club like Chelsea, which holds so much value and history.

'Stepping onto the Stamford Bridge pitch was surreal. I felt at home and was completely focused on my surroundings. Looking around the stadium made me realise how much I want to play there in front of the crowd.

'I imagined what it would be like to come on and make my debut, picturing my family and friends in the stands, supporting me. I took in every single moment. That’s where I want to be playing and, hopefully, one day that moment will come.'

Ahead of a weekend filled with Academy action, as the Under-21s welcome West Bromwich Albion to Kingsmeadow and the Under-18s host Aston Villa at Cobham, Mheuka explains what it means to him every time he pulls on the Chelsea shirt on matchday.

He said: 'I’ve been a Chelsea fan for as long as I can remember, so putting on the Chelsea shirt is about showing why I deserve to be here and proving that I have what it takes to be a Chelsea player.

'I don't take it for granted that I play for this club and each time I go out onto the pitch, that thought only motivates me even further.

'I am ready to continue scoring as many goals as possible and make a difference in every fixture I play. That's the mindset I bring to every performance. I want to be bold, fierce and deliver a true Chelsea performance.'