McNeilly: 'It's the biggest game of my career so far'
Donnell McNeilly is pleased with his performances for the Blues this season but remains focused on developing his skills and reaching new heights, especially with an Under-18s Premier League national final to come at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Our Under-18s booked a spot in the national final against Manchester United by sealing the southern league title with a 2-1 victory over Southampton at the Staplewood Training Ground last week.
The one-off national final will now see the Blues taking on northern champions Manchester United on the big stage at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 14 May, with a kick-off time of 7pm.
Tickets for that match at the Bridge are available now here priced just £5 for adults and £3 for juniors and seniors.
McNeilly has played a key role in our Under-18s' journey towards silverware this season. He is the team’s top scorer with an impressive 24 goals and has netted a further six at Under-21 level. The teenager is not finished yet, though.
‘I am proud of my performance this season,’ said McNeilly. ‘I have set targets each month and have hit them, but there is still more to do. I want to become the best version of myself on and off the pitch, and that’s what I aim to do.
‘I never get comfortable and I always strive for more. For example, at the start of the season, I aimed for 15 goals. I recently hit 20 and now I’m close to 25. If you believe in yourself there is no limit.’
Like many in our Under-18s squad, Tuesday's national final will be McNeilly’s first time taking to the pitch at Stamford Bridge. It’s clear for the team, the opportunity is a dream come true and will give our players a taste of what their future could look like.
McNeilly said: 'It’s a huge moment. This is the biggest game of my career so far. It would be an unbelievable feeling if we win, and to do it under the lights will be even bigger.
‘It has been a special season already and I wouldn’t have changed any of it – especially the group of players.
‘Playing at Stamford Bridge means everything to me and I need to make my performance count. I will prepare in the same way as I do for any game, being focused and in the zone.’
McNeilly looks up to the current Chelsea senior players and will take lessons from their performances to help manage any pressure he may face in the build-up to the big day at the Bridge.
He said: ‘Nicolas Jackson has been on top form, he has been extremely impressive up front. He deals with the intensity of the game well and doesn’t let it impact his performance.
‘I try and embrace the pressure and use it to my advantage. I believe if you focus on yourself and your game, undoubtedly your performance will excel.’
There will hopefully be a large and passionate crowd at the Bridge on Tuesday evening, with supporters and those from throughout our Academy set-up and the wider club turning up to cheer on McNeilly and his team-mates, who are eager to secure more silverware for the Blues.
McNeilly concluded: ‘I am proud to say we have won other competitions, we have won games abroad and now it’s time to win at Stamford Bridge. We can do this.’
Get your tickets to see Chelsea Under-18s attempt to be crowned national champions by beating Manchester United at Stamford Bridge
