Kiano Dyer aims to keep winning streak alive

Dyer has already had an exciting start to the 2024/25 season, from being involved regularly with the Under-21s to joining the men’s squad for a UEFA Conference League fixture against Gent. He recently returned from his time with England Under-19s during the October international break, marking his second call-up this season.

The midfielder was involved for Filipe Coelho's side in Monday's 4-1 victory against Bournemouth in the Premier League Cup, when the team made it two wins out of two in that competition. The result leaves us top of our group, as the only team to have won both games so far.

'I was pleased with my performance against Bournemouth,' reflected Dyer. 'Although I only played in the second half, I felt I was effective during the time I was on the pitch.

'I came on with good energy, showed my strength in winning battles and helped push the team upfield. As a substitute, it’s important to bring that kind of energy. Every time you come on, you have to make a difference, and I felt I did that.

'Overall, since the start of the season, I feel like I’ve been playing well and have continued to develop. With the opportunities I’ve had away with England and being involved with the senior team, I feel like I've had a great start.

'Although I didn’t make it onto the pitch when I made the matchday squad against Gent, it was another incredible experience. Being that close to making my debut only makes me want it more, so I need to stay focused, keep working hard, and hopefully my chance will come soon.'

With the Under-21s facing a busy schedule, with Friday's home game against Leicester being our second fixture in five days, it’s important the players are recovered, rested and ready to perform at their best.

'Training this week has been going well. We’ve been focusing on holding possession, which has been really useful.

'This week I’ve also had the chance to train with the men’s team, which was a great experience. It’s always valuable to train over the road and see the difference in levels.'

Chelsea Under-21s will host Leicester in PL2 on Friday, with a 7pm kick-off. We come into this fixture in impressive form after three consecutive wins, including a 6-0 victory against London rivals Fulham in our last league match.

Our Friday evening opponents come into this fixture following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League Cup. In their PL2 campaign, the Foxes have played six games, winning three and losing three.

Dyer concluded: 'My main aim is to maintain my current form because I’m feeling confident. The team has been working hard and we’re ready for the challenge.

'We’ve had two strong wins recently, against Bournemouth and an even better one against Fulham, and we’re looking forward to continuing that momentum.

'Hopefully we can keep a clean sheet and see more goals come through. You never know, I might even get one myself! But the priority as a team is to get the win.

'We’re playing at Kingsmeadow, which I love. It’s a great ground and as a team we feel comfortable and confident there. We’re ready for the game and I'm sure we can keep the winning streak alive.'

Support our Blues under the lights

Tickets for our upcoming Premier League 2 fixture against Leicester City are still available for purchase. The match takes place this Friday evening, with a 7pm kick-off at Kingsmeadow. Ticket prices are £7 for adults and £5 for juniors or seniors.

Additionally, tickets are available for next week’s match in the EFL Bristol Street Motors Trophy against Charlton Athletic's senior team. That away fixture will be held at The Valley, Charlton's League One home ground, at 7pm on Tuesday evening.

Our Under-21s' next home fixture after Friday will be a London derby against Arsenal on 1 November, with every supporter purchasing tickets for that match at Kingsmeadow being entered into a prize draw to win tickets for the men's Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge 10 days later.