Reggie Walsh has instantly made Chelsea history in their UEFA Conference League semi-final clash against Djurgarden.
The midfielder was selected in the Blues’ starting XI for the second leg against their Swedish visitors at Stamford Bridge.
Walsh made his first ever senior appearance for Chelsea in the first leg when he came off the bench late on in their 4-1 victory last week.
Now he has gone one step further for the west London side by entering the record books right from kick-off.
At the age of 16 years and 200 days, Walsh has become Chelsea’s youngest ever starter in a European competition.
He has surpassed Shim Mheuka, who claimed the record at 17 years and 137 days old against FC Copenhagen in their last-16 first leg win.
Maresca was asked about Walsh’s inclusion against Djurgarden before the match, and told TNT Sports: “He is a talent.
“Very good. His technique is fantastic. I really like him between the lines
“You could see immediately he has something.
“For sure because he is only 17/18 he still needs to work hard, but I like the personality.
“He has worked with us during the season and he is not shy, he is always asking for the ball.
“He is shouting and talking, which I like. He’s a good player.”
Chelsea’s 4-1 aggregate lead heading into the second leg has them favourites to reach the Conference League final on May 28.
Real Betis lead Fiorentina 2-1 in the other semi-final tie on the night.
The Blues have always been favourites to become finalists in Wroclaw, Poland later in the month.
It’s the first time the two-time Champions League winners have played in the Conference League, which debuted in 2021.
Chelsea won ten of their 11 matches in the competition before Thursday’s match, with one defeat coming against Legia Warsaw.
Maresca’s side have also scored 37 goals and conceded just nine.
