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Dominic Solanke has scored so many goals over the last 24 months — 61 in 67 youth games, by last count — that we tend to forget he's still just 17. So very young! It's not a suprise then that even for the Academy Player of the Year, and just like for Charlie Colkett and Jordan Houghton, both of whom are older than Solanke, the post-season tour was one filled mostly with wonderment and new experiences and rewarding moments.
"When the season finished I was told I'd be going on the trip and it was a chance for me to impress. I managed to score against the Thailand All-Stars and it was the winning goal, so that was good for me. It was the best time to impress because there weren't so many of the first-team players there and we all managed to get some game time. When those opportunities come along you have to take them."
-Dominic Solanke; source: Chelsea FC
True words. Though I'd say scoring 41 goals this season is also pretty impressive.
"I got around 20 goals last season and everybody was telling me I'd have to do the same, but I managed get double it so it's been a really good season for me. Everyone in football is competitive and the fact myself and Tammy are both scoring helps push us both on."
-Dominic Solanke; source: Chelsea FC
Tammy Abraham also scored 41, a fittingly matching number for two players who both joined Chelsea around the same time, at the under-8 level.
Now comes the tough part, figuring out what to do next for their development.