Chelsea Name A Reduced Squad With Only Four Homegrown Players

Chelsea Name A Reduced Squad With Only Four Homegrown Players
Chelsea have managed to name only four homegrown players in their 25 man squad for the 2010-2011 season, when according to the new Premier League rules it was a compulsion to have at least eight homegrown players.
According to the new Premier League regulations for the 2010-2011 season, all the Premier League teams must register a minimum of eight homegrown players and a maximum of 17 non homegrown players. However, it was said that a reduced number of players could be submitted if the club failed to have eight players for that category.
The homegrown players are those who have been trained for three years or more by an English or Welsh club before the age of 21. Examples of Chelsea players who meet these requirements are John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.
The rules also state that once the list is named no changes can be made until the transfer window closes. Players older than 25 years and players under the age of 21 cannot be selected and would therefore be forced to stay on the sidelines.
Clubs are permitted to use an unlimited number of younger players, under the age of 21, regardless of what nationality they hold. Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti can benefit from this as he has an army of youngsters at his disposal. Even with the restrictions Chelsea have Daniel Sturridge, Patric van Aanholt, Jeffrey Bruma, Gael Kakuta, Josh McEachran and Fabio Borini available.
Following the closure of the summer transfer window, the top flight clubs made their squad selections by 5pm on Wednesday. Unlike their rivals, Chelsea did not spend big this summer. It was an unexpected decision by Ancelotti who was linked with big names, but failed to bring in the desired players.
This summer saw Michael Ballack, Joe Cole, Ricardo Carvalho and Deco all part ways with the Blues. These were established; experienced players and their departure left a void which Ancelotti did not fill.
Chelsea only signed two players, former Liverpool player Yossi Benayoun and Brazilian youngster Ramires. And with the departure of some old players it seemed like the Blues would not do as well as last season when they won their first double.
However, they have got off to a roaring start, scoring 14 goals in their three opening fixtures.