Chelsea Under-21s will be looking to build some momentum after our last game in the Premier League 2, a convincing win against West Bromwich Albion before the international break.

One player who has been in fine form so far is Ronnie Stutter, as the striker has been a reliable source of goals for the Blues in the opening stages of the season.

Battling injuries

The youngster has battled with injuries in his past two years at the Academy, and revealed he is just happy to be playing football and putting the ball in the back of the net.

'Last year I was definitely wary of the injury that I had and, after the operation I had, there was a lot of getting used to it, but this year that has finished and just playing in general has come naturally to me.'

He added that, 'When you have big lay-offs, you do second guess certain things and you almost try to do too much, so I am just grateful to the medical and the rest of the coaching team around me that helped me.'

Scoring goals

He also spoke about the feeling of scoring goals and how he is intent on ensuring that he is doing everything he can to help the team.

'Some goals are more special than others but I am always thinking about what helps the team get the three points and us strikers are always trying to help the team. Of course, the feeling is second to none. I always enjoy scoring goals, but I want to win and I want other players to win as much as I want to win.

He added: 'As a team player, I have to make sure I do not go too far in my desire and passion to win by letting it be negative, but it is always from the right place.'

Good advice

Mark Robinson has spoken of Stutter's application and that his good start to the season can only be attributed to how hard he is working. The striker said that reflects his approach to life in general and he just translates that to the football pitch.

'I am a hard worker, I just believe that I can perform at my best as long as I am working hard. I was proud to be nominated for the PL2 Player of the Month award and even though I did not win, to be recognised is always a pleasure.

'Robbo has helped me a lot with my application and the mental side of the game. These are the extra advantages that I want to perfect, as they are just as important as technical ability.'

Mason Burstow finished last season as the top scorer for the Under-21s and joined the senior squad for our pre-season tour of the USA over the summer, where he scored his first goal for the club at that level. Stutter is inspired by his fellow forward, who is now on loan at Sunderland for 2023/24.

'It shows that it is possible and if you take your chance doors will open for you,' continued Stutter. 'I am eager to show what I can offer every single time I step onto the pitch. It is definitely exciting because I recognise I am in a privileged position and I intend to do the work that helps me get to the next level.'

Friday evening's PL2 fixture away at Manchester City is another opportunity for him to show his ability and the London-born striker is hoping he will get that chance come kick-off at 7pm.

Our opponents

The Cityzens have only won one game this season, but it came in their last PL2 outing, a 4-0 win over Newcastle United. Besides that, two losses and one draw, in addition to the win against the Magpies, see them sat in 14th place in the table.

Our Under-21s' last meeting with Man City ended in a 3-1 loss, a result which all but ended our title charge last season.