Liam Rosenior can save Chelsea millions by unlocking the 'next Eden Hazard' after injury blow

Liam Rosenior can salvage what could be a very miserable end to the season by winning a piece of silverware and giving Cobham graduates long overdue opportunities to impress.

Liam Rosenior should give Jesse Derry a chance to stake a claim for a place in the Chelsea squad once and for all. With a couple of big names nursing injuries, the Blues boss will have no better chance to give the 18-year-old winger a taste of Premier League action.

Derry, who's often trained with the first-team at Cobham this season, made his senior debut in February, coming off the bench during Chelsea's win over Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round. The England Under-19 international replaced Estevao Willian in the final quarter of an hour, and it didn't take him long to make a good impression.

He combined well with his teammates and lifted away supporters from their seats, unafraid to take on the opposition full-back. Derry earned himself another appearance in the round of 16, helping the Blues see out a victory against Wrexham.

The teenager hasn't featured for Chelsea since, but, with a couple of players nursing injuries and others underperforming, he should be given the chance to stake a claim for a greater role in the first-team. Derry has shown great promise in the academy, too, so any opportunity wouldn't be unjust.

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Although the Blues can still qualify for the UEFA Champions League on paper, they've conceded significant ground in the race for a place in Europe's top-flight competition. So, Rosenior should focus on winning a piece of silverware.

By putting all his eggs in one basket, the Chelsea boss can use the final games of the Premier League season to give the likes of Derry a chance to prove their worth. Academy players have been overlooked far too often this season; meanwhile, some senior players have had an easy ride, regularly occupying spots in matchday squads despite regularly disappointing.

If Rosenior can begin to integrate players like Derry into the squad, while employing to a model that prioritises quality over market value, Chelsea will save millions on the signing of mid-tier players who block the pathway of Cobham graudates.

As the Blues approach a difficult period in the season, a young player like Derry could remind his elders what it takes to play for the club. Speaking to the official club website in November, he said: "I’ve followed Chelsea for as long as I can remember.

"My favourite player growing up was Eden Hazard, I watched him for years. Now, to be part of the club myself, is surreal. If I could go back and tell that boy in the picture how far we’ve come, I don’t think he’d believe it. I just want to keep living in the moment, working hard and never lose sight of the goal of playing for the men’s team one day."

Derry continued: "One of my biggest role models is Cole Palmer. He’s unbelievable and just on a different level. Cole brings so much excitement to the game.

"Every time he’s on the pitch, he’s creative, confident and makes everything look effortless. Whenever he gets on the ball, everyone’s on their feet watching him.

"Of course, he’s a huge football role model for me, but I’ve also got a few outside the game, especially my family. They’ve been there through every high and low.

"We’re a football family, but once we’re home, we’re just a normal family. We talk about other things and switch off from football, which is really important.

"My dad has definitely been my biggest inspiration. He’s got coaching experience and has helped me so much. I learn from him every day. He’s always watching my games, offering advice and supporting me in any way he can.

"My family mean everything to me..."