When Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this weekend, there will be more than a little influence from the Chelsea Academy in both ranks.
Abraham and Solanke tore defences apart as schoolboys, scholars and then young professionals while representing Chelsea Academy teams. The duo netted 41 goals each in 2014/15 as they fired us to success in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League, a time Abraham has been reflecting back upon ahead of a reunion with his teenage strike partner.
Tammy Abraham when recalling his on-field partnership and off-field friendship with Solanke said “We have so many good memories together.He was the first player I ever met when I came in to Chelsea and we clicked straight away. He was always skilful in the younger age groups and he had the quickest feet you’ve ever seen! I remember he used to play as a winger but we had a good partnership up front. When I saw him doing a certain skill, I wanted to do it as well and we were just like that, always driving each other on. It was nice to have that friendship and bond to play alongside him.”