Glen Johnson believes Chelsea's coaching staff perhaps didn't realise how good their kids were before this season.

When he was at Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich never gave the youngsters a chance, instead deciding to spend vast amounts of money on strengthening the side.

Johnson told the Daily Express: “When I was there it was totally different, it was when Roman Abramovich was buying all the best players in the world, the younger players didn't really get a look in.

“It was a totally different era, every big name came through the door but I'm pleasantly surprised to see how well the kids are doing now. They've had to give the kids a chance, though, because they lost their best player and the transfer situation.

“They've all stood up and have performed brilliantly and Chelsea had talent they probably didn't know they had six months ago."