New Chelsea signing Diego Moreira says he will be given first-team chances this season and believes Mauricio Pochettino is the perfect manager for his development.
The 18-year-old is with the squad on their pre-season tour of the United States and gave his first interview since joining Chelsea from Benfica this summer.
The youngster started the 5-0 win over Wrexham and is in contention to face Newcastle on Wednesday in Atlanta.
He is one of a host of teenagers – including Andrey Santos, Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lewis Hall – keen to prove their worth to new manager Pochettino, who has an exemplary track record of improving young talent.
Speaking at a Chelsea Foundation meet and greet with local children in Philadelphia, Moreira revealed his aims for this season.
He said: “I have to grab my chance and give my best in every game and every minute that I play. The plan is for me to work hard and try to win my place in the team and play.
“Chelsea sold me the project [and a plan] but I just wanted to join one of the biggest clubs in England and the world.
“Joining Chelsea was a feeling I can’t explain. I just need to work to show I am ready.”
Moreira, an explosive left winger who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo, played just two senior games for Portuguese giants Benfica before moving to the Premier League.
He will likely split his time over the coming months between the first-team and Under-21s squads, and is relishing the opportunity to be coached by Pochettino.
He said: “He is a very great coach, he talks to everyone and helps a lot and gives a lot of advice. He is important for the young players and makes us all comfortable.”
Chelsea’s recruitment policy to sign exciting youngsters over experienced heads has prompted questions over the squad’s ability to compete at the top end of the table.
But Moreira believes high-scoring wins over Wrexham and Brighton show Chelsea’s kids can prove their doubters wrong.
He said: “We are a very good group. We’re like a family. It has been easy [to fit in]. We won the games and I am very happy.”
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