And now, Dominic Solanke reads from 'The Great Big Book of Right Things to Say'

Is it any wonder that all the young prospects that have tagged along with the Chelsea first-team on our European Tour have displayed nothing but maturity in both their behavior and their words in public?  While on some level this may be a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation -- we brought them along because they're good and mature OR they're mature(ing) because they're good and we brought them along -- any way you scramble it or poach it, it's a tasty situation.

"It's been fantastic.  When I found out I was going to come and train with the first team I thought it was a good opportunity for me to improve."

"It's been a really good experience playing with older players and getting to know men's football. Now some of the players who played in the World Cup are here, people that I look up to like Torres, Costa and Drogba.  I learned from watching them on TV and now here I can learn from them every day because I am actually playing with them. I am always picking up little tips so it's an amazing chance for me to improve."

-Dominic Solanke; source: Chelsea FC

I love how he calls it "men's" football.  Have to keep reminding myself that at 16, Solanke is the youngest player on tour and he's only just beginning his scholarship in the Academy.  The cynical side of me chimes in at this point with "he has plenty of time to get disillusioned by the game and the process yet!"

"The boss has been really supportive. He has tried to help me where he can and tried to improve my game. He's just helped me through it all really and given me support.  Last season was a good season for me but this is another step up. I just want to do my best, and try and impress."

"Chelsea are one of the best football clubs in the world and I have been here since I was a young boy. If I maybe get an opportunity in the next couple of years I just want to take it. This kind of experience doesn't come around too often."

-Dominic Solanke; source: Chelsea FC

Dominic Solanke, definite Class One egg.  And we won't even have to go to Waitrose for this one, he shall hatch in our own backyard.  Fully organic; homegrown; even better!