The 'bright gem' of Chelsea: "I will rise to the level of coach Xabi"

Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, only 16 years old, amazed Xabi Alonso with a composed performance against Locatelli, Douglas Luiz, and Juventus in Hong Kong on August 5th.

Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli became the standout performer for Chelsea in their 0-1 defeat against Juventus in Hong Kong. At just 16, the academy-trained midfielder was placed in the starting lineup by Xabi Alonso alongside Moisés Caicedo, directly facing Manuel Locatelli and Douglas Luiz.

The fact that the 2010-born talent did not look out of place against seasoned internationals particularly impressed Alonso. He shared: “It’s incredible. I don’t even remember who I was playing against when I was 16. But he had to face Locatelli, Douglas Luiz, and such experienced players. This will definitely be an experience he will always remember.”

Nicoll-Jazuli played about two-thirds of the match before making way for Romeo Lavia. The young player moved the ball calmly and was not afraid to engage in challenges. Alonso emphasized that technique is only part of the journey to reaching the highest level: “You can learn a lot, because becoming a top player is not just about having good technique. It’s also about understanding the game, staying calm on the ball, knowing when to defend aggressively, and there is so much more he has to continue learning.”

In an interview on Chelsea’s official channel, Nicoll-Jazuli revealed that Alonso has made a big impact in just a short time working together. The 16-year-old said: “Everything is really special. Everyone knows he was an outstanding player. Even from the small things and details, he has taught me a lot, like positioning, the first touch, and knowing what I need to do. I feel that the more I work with him, the more I will improve.”

Nicoll-Jazuli also looks up to Alonso's career as a benchmark: “The level he reached is definitely where I want to get to. Every day with him, especially in private conversations, feels very fresh. It gives me more confidence to keep working hard and aim to reach his level.”

Those remarks show that Chelsea has not only discovered a 16-year-old gem, but also placed this talent in an environment that can foster growth. Alonso concluded: “What I like most is seeing the players improve. So far, they have all shown a desire to learn.”

From the clash with Locatelli and Douglas Luiz to the private coaching sessions with Alonso, the door to the first team is gradually opening for Nicoll-Jazuli, as long as he continues turning every small detail into big steps forward.