Tyrique George is rewriting the rules at Stamford Bridge. In a Chelsea squad bursting with over £1bn of global talent, the 19-year-old winger has become the club’s first homegrown star to break into the first team without a loan spell since Callum Hudson-Odoi in 2018.

George’s rise isn’t just rare — it’s remarkable.

Chelsea’s Youngest Premier League Scorer Since 2020

George scored a crucial goal against Fulham on April 20, becoming Chelsea’s youngest Premier League goalscorer since Hudson-Odoi netted against Burnley over five years ago. At just 19 years and 75 days, George has already made 21 senior appearances across all competitions in 2024–25, contributing 2 goals and 4 assists.

His breakthrough comes amid heavy competition from big-money signings and proves that talent and tenacity can still cut through at the top.

“He’s not here to sit on the bench. He’s here to play,” said teammate Levi Colwill.

From ‘Middling’ Youth to Chelsea Star: The Training Behind the Talent

George joined Chelsea’s academy at age 8, but insiders say he was once considered an average player in his group. Everything changed at age 10 when his father hired David ‘Guru’ Sobers, a private coach and former semi-pro, along with a goalkeeper to simulate real-match training intensity.

Between training with Chelsea and extra sessions at Power League in South London — where he regularly played against grown men — George developed an edge few teenagers possess.

“We made sure he got kicked, fouled, challenged – he had to get up and win the ball back,” said Sobers. “He became fearless.”

Influenced by Sancho, Inspired by Hudson-Odoi

George’s journey has been influenced by established stars like Jadon Sancho, Marc Cucurella, and Noni Madueke. He even met Sancho as a 10-year-old in a South London five-a-side pitch, a moment that made a lasting impact.

“Tyrique has the world at his feet. Such a humble guy — he deserves this,” Sancho said this season.

George grew up idolizing Hudson-Odoi, the last Chelsea player to reach the first team without going on loan. Now, he’s following — and possibly surpassing — that legacy.

Maresca’s Faith and the Post-Böehly Pathway

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has placed significant trust in George, promoting him after standout performances in pre-season. Club insiders cite Maresca’s deep knowledge of the academy as crucial to George’s rise — and Joe Shields, director of recruitment and talent, is believed to be another key figure behind the scenes.

Despite skepticism when George signed a three-year deal in June 2024, he’s now seen as a symbol of the Böehly-Clearlake ownership’s commitment to blending academy talent with marquee signings.

George’s valuation has skyrocketed from £2m to over £10m in under six months, according to FootballTransfers.com.

Looking Ahead: From Conference League to Stamford Bridge Mainstay?

George has featured heavily in Chelsea’s Europa Conference League run — playing nearly 600 minutes across 10 games, including a key goal in the quarter-final against Legia Warsaw. He is expected to start in the semi-final first leg against Djurgarden.

With Mykhailo Mudryk suspended pending a doping investigation, George has seized the opportunity to make himself indispensable.

“The trust Enzo has in me gives me a great feeling,” George said.

Tyrique George by the Numbers – 2024–25 (All Competitions)

• Appearances: 21

• Goals: 2

• Assists: 4

• Age at Premier League debut: 19 years, 7 days

• Estimated market value: £10m+

Tyrique George isn’t just another academy hopeful — he’s the face of a new Chelsea era. With elite mindset, grassroots grit, and first-team class, he may be the biggest academy success story since Reece James.