Ex-Chelsea defender lauds Nigeria-eligible teenager in Brighton’s win over Maresca’s Blues

Former Chelsea and England U-21 defender, Jason Victor Cundy, has praised Chelsea's Nigeria-eligible teenager, Tyrique George, in their 3-0 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 19-year-old has been widely tipped by many to be the next big thing to come out Chelsea's famous Cobham football academy, as his style of play is similar to that of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka.

George made his competitive debut for the two-time UEFA Champions League winners last August, coming on for the final 28 minutes in their UEFA Conference League loss to Swiss side, Servette.

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A brace from Yankuba Minteh and a goal from Kaoru Mitoma sealed a 3-0 win for Brighton at home, with Chelsea looking toothless at the American Express Stadium last night.

Chelsea boss, Enzo Maresca, opted to bring on Tyrique George with 25 minutes left on the clock. The teenager dazzled and impressed, with his quality glaring, but it was too late to turn the game around.

After the game, Cundy revealed George's introduction was the only thing that went right on the night, crediting the teenager for trying to make something happen despite the team's demotivating scoreline.

“Fair play to the boy. It’s a difficult game to come in to off the bench. You’re 3-0 down, go on then try and make a difference. Even though the scoreline isn’t going to change, he has,” the 55-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Chelsea Chronicle.

George was born in England and is of Nigerian and Ghanaian descent, although he's represented the Three Lions at various levels.

Chelsea are currently 6th on the English Premier League table, 14 points behind league leaders, Liverpool.