Enzo Maresca hails Chelsea youngsters after Ajax thrashing
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said he was "very proud" of his young players after the Blues demolished Ajax 5-1 in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
Chelsea's Tyrique George celebrates scoring The emphatic win, which featured five different goalscorers, saw Chelsea make history as the first club in the Champions League to have three teenagers score in the same game.
Marc Guiu, Estevao, and Tyrique George all found the net, alongside Moises Caicedo and captain Enzo Fernandez, on a memorable night for Maresca's youthful side.
"It was a special night for the club and for the young players," said Maresca. "Guiu already scored for us last season, Ty scored in the Premier League, and Estevão is showing his quality. Overall, it was a great night, especially for these young players and for the club.
"It's the strategy of the club, we have so many young players. Last season we were the youngest squad in Premier League history, and we continue in the same way."
Ajax's captain Kenneth Taylor was sent off midway through the first half for a reckless challenge on Facundo Buonanotte, leaving John Heitinga's side with an uphill task. Chelsea took advantage almost immediately as Guiu opened the scoring, before Caicedo's deflected strike made it two.
Wout Weghorst briefly reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, but Fernandez and Estevao both converted penalties before half-time to make it 4-1.
Maresca introduced several youngsters after the break, including Tyrique George, who scored within minutes to complete the rout. Reggie Walsh then became the youngest player ever to represent Chelsea in the Champions League as the hosts comfortably saw out the win.
Despite the dominant display, Maresca urged caution. "We go game by game," he said. "It's good to win and to keep the momentum, but we have another demanding Premier League game against Sunderland in 48 hours. The main thing is to keep improving our players and our performances."
The result moved Chelsea up to 11th in their Champions League league-phase group, while Ajax remain bottom without a point.