Chelsea striker Didier Drogba admits he's amazed by the ability of 17 year-old Josh McEachran.
The U17 Euro champ will start tonight against Carling Cup opponents Newcastle United, along with Danny Sturridge and Gael Kakuta.
Drogba feels they are ready to step up to the first team.
He said: "These kind of games gives us a chance to see our young players who did well last year. It's good for them to have some minutes on the pitch and to see the difference between being a reserve and a Premier League player. They will improve and this game is going to be good for them.
"Bruma has a lot to learn but he has already been alongside John Terry, Alex, Branislav Ivanovic and picked up a lot.
"It's difficult to find a left-back, so it's good to find Van Aanholt. The people from the academy are working well, so credit to them.
"McEachran is one of the best midfielders I have seen since I have been here. Him and Kakuta are very good players.
"Gael won the European Under-19 Championships with France in the summer and is improving being with us.
"Daniel is 21 but when you see the way he is playing, you would think he is 25 or 26 with a lot of experience.
"In front of the goal he is very calm and very relaxed and I like that. It is not easy to find a left-footed striker but this is one of his qualities."
