Chelsea have been wasting no time in the transfer market. That has become a theme under new owner Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. The Blues have also somewhat changed their strategy under the new ownership. Chelsea have been hunting on uncharted territory recently – signing some of the best rising young footballers in the world.
Last season, the Stamford Bridge outfit signed the likes of Gabriel Slonina, Carney, Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, David Fofana and Andrey Santos. Of these players, only Chukwuemeka and Fofana have made senior appearances for Chelsea. The rest of the bunch are expected to make a breakthrough in the Chelsea first-team squad in a couple of seasons.
Todd Boehly has continued this trend of signing unknown young commodities under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues have announced the transfer of Diego Moreira and Alex Matos recently. And while Moreira has been known for his exploits at Benfica, very little is known about Matos on the other hand.
Official, confirmed. Chelsea sign U-18 talent Alex Matos from Norwich, deal completed. 🔵✨ #CFC
Matos joins the club as free agent, it’s done and sealed. pic.twitter.com/rFhiubYsdC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2023
When the Blues end up signing a youngster, that is because of the potential he carries and Alex Matos is no different. But who is Matos and is he ready for Chelsea’s first team?
Who is Alex Matos?
Alex Matos is an 18-year-old English attacker, who can play anywhere across the frontline. He has represented England at various youth levels and is known for his strong right foot.
Chelsea signed Matos from Norwich for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2023, who made 42 appearances for the Canaries U18 before making the move. Predominantly a right winger, the English youth international is also comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or playing alongside a typical No 9.
The speedster played for recently Premier League promoted side Luton Town before joining Norwich Cty in 2016. Since then he has been scoring goals and laying off assists for fun at various youth levels.
Matos’ main attributes are his speed and quick thinking inside the opposition box. His nine goals and nine assists in all competitions for Norwich prove exactly the kind of threat he is inside the penalty area. Given a chance, the English winger isn’t afraid to take half chances which he has become popular for.
Chelsea and Pochettino have acquired some serious talent in the form of Matos and he might end up becoming the next Mason Mount at Cobham. Matos and Mount have similar strengths when it comes to their on-the-ball ability.
Both players love to win second balls on the pitch and show the kind of work rate that every manager loves. With Mount leaving for rivals Manchester United, Matos might get his chance at Chelsea’s first-team sooner than expected.
Alex Matos’ chances at Chelsea
Chelsea and their academy manager Jim Fraser have signed Alex Matos for one main reason – and that is to strengthen their youth squad. While the Blues’ academy isn’t short on talent and potential, a player of Matos’ profile is exactly what academy manager Jim Fraser needed.
With his ability to get into the box and create chances with ease, the English attacker might become the spearhead of Chelsea U18s attack this season. On the other hand, his chances of breaking into the Chelsea first-team will come down to how well he performs at the youth level.
The player no doubt is capable of playing for a top English club, but as is the case with so many raw talents, Matos will be tested at various levels before making the mark at Pochettino’s squad. Given that the Blues are not playing European football this season, Chelsea’s Argentine manager might not be able to field his majority of academy and youth players.
However, for a player of Matos’ ability, if he hits a good patch of form, Poichettino might end up giving him a chance in a cup match or two. From there it is up to Matos how he builds momentum, and if his career so far is anything to go by, it might not be long before fans will see him making his senior debut for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
