Pat Nevin has claimed Tyrique George thought he was ‘finished’ at Chelsea before his fine Champions League performance against Ajax.
The 19-year-old came on at half-time for the Blues, replacing Marc Guiu, as the west London club secured a 5-1 victory over their Dutch opponents.
George scored just three minutes after his introduction, with the Chelsea academy graduate registering his first-ever goal in the Champions League.
He helped Chelsea make history, as Enzo Maresca’s side became the first team in the competition to have three teenagers score in a single match.
Former Chelsea star Nevin believes George thought he was ‘finished’ at the club prior to the win over Ajax, after the Blues signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap in the summer transfer window.
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‘What a lovely moment for Tyrique George,’ Nevin, who now works as a football pundit, said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘He thought he was getting real chances at Chelsea and they went and bought two strikers.
‘He thinks that’s him finished, and will be sent out. He comes on, scores a goal and looked really good in that position.
‘Among the others, he looked really good and I am delighted for him.’
George nearly joined Fulham towards the end of the summer transfer window but the move collapsed.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, George said: ‘Really happy to win. We got so many goals and just had fun out there.
‘I was itching to get on and score. That’s what I did so I am happy.
It’s an amazing feeling [to score my Champions League goal]. It’s what dreams are made of.’
Maresca ‘very proud’ of Chelsea record breakers
Chelsea boss Maresca is ‘very proud’ at Chelsea becoming the first team in history to have three teenagers score in a Champions League match.
Quizzed about his side breaking the record, Maresca said: ‘[I am] very proud. It’s a special night for the club, for the young players.
‘I think Guiu already scored for Chelsea five or six goals last year in the Conference [League]. Ty already scored also in the Premier League.
‘Estevao, exactly the same. I think overall it was a great night, especially for these young players and for the club.’
