Omari Hutchinson has pledged to repay Graham Potter's faith and continue working hard after he was granted a taste of first-team action for Chelsea. The 19-year-old impressed the Blues boss in the west Londoners' mid-season friendly against Aston Villa, marauding up and down the left-wing to excellent effect.
He has featured in Chelsea's matchday squad on a number of occasions this season, with appearances on the bench against Brighton and Newcastle United in the Premier League and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. Hutchinson is yet to be handed his competitive senior debut, but as he continues to turn heads, more opportunities look to be on the horizon.
Speaking to the in-house media team at Chelsea, the England youth international revealed that he has enjoyed integrating himself into the first-team culture. Hutchinson said: "It's been a great experience, and getting used to the boys, their culture, and how they are in the building is very good for me and it's going to benefit me in the long run."
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The former Arsenal youngster was then quizzed on his experience working alongside Potter. Hutchinson replied: "The best really, they've given me the freedom on the pitch, tell me to express myself, so all I could ask for really.
"Every day I come into Chelsea I just want to work hard, whether that's with the 21s or the first team. I just want to benefit myself and just always working."
Hutchinson, who sees his deal at Stamford Bridge run until 2025, has featured 15 times for the Chelsea Development Squad so far this season, directly contributing towards 12 goals - three of which came against Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy. His impressive displays haven't gone unnoticed, earning comparisons to Eden Hazard.
According to The Athletic, youth coaches at Cobham have likened Hutchinson to the Belgian maestro due to a similar dribbling style, ability in front of goal and explosive pace. The youngster is held in the highest regard by both representatives at Chelsea and supporters.
Speaking to the club website following the Blues' 1-0 defeat to Villa in Abu Dhabi, Potter showered Hutchinson with praise. The 47-year-old said: "He was really good, dangerous and asked a question all the time.
"Throughout the game he showed his quality but he wasn’t the only one. It was a spirited performance with a lot of young players so it was good."
Chelsea are set to recommence their Premier League campaign on December 27 against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge before locking horns with Nottingham Forest on New Years day.
Potter has a congested festive fixture schedule to navigate the Blues through and Hutchinson could play a crucial role. With a number of key Chelsea players returning from the World Cup, supporters will be keen to see the Hale End graduate given some minutes in the first-team.
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