Chelsea’s academy graduate Tyrique George described scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal against Ajax as a childhood dream fulfilled, crediting manager Enzo Maresca’s attacking freedom for the team’s emphatic 5-1 victory. The 19-year-old winger was one of three teenagers—alongside Marc Guiu and Estevão Willian—to score, marking a historic first for any club in the competition.
Historic Night for Chelsea’s Young Stars
The match at Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea dominate Ajax, with additional goals from Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández securing back-to-back European wins. George, introduced at halftime with Chelsea leading 4-1 after Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor was sent off, made an immediate impact. Combining with fellow substitute Andrey Santos, he scored within three minutes of the second half. “I saw the ball lying there, thought I’d hit it, and it went in,” George said, reflecting on a moment he’d dreamed of since joining Chelsea’s Under-8s. The win, part of a four-game winning streak across all competitions, underscored the team’s growing momentum.
Maresca’s Philosophy Fuels Fun and Freedom
George praised Maresca’s approach, which encourages young players to express themselves in attacking areas. “We’re all young, having fun on the pitch. The manager tells us to be free, and that’s what we showed,” he said post-match. His goal was his fifth for Chelsea’s senior team, each in a different competition, highlighting his versatility. With the Blues climbing the Champions League table, George emphasized the importance of daily training to sustain their form, expressing ambition to keep improving and securing victories.
