The English Premier Club is hailed as one of the most elite leagues in football with top-notch stars who engage in competition for the ultimate bragging rights- winning the EPL trophy.
Since time memorial, the top five English clubs on everyone's list would be Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United.
Playing in the English club is a dream for any footballer as they get to test their mettle against the proverbial G.O.A.T.S (Greatest of All Time) of the industry.
Unbeknown to many, a Kenyan teenager is on the rise to become one of the hallmarks in the sports profession as he plays for Chelsea Football Club.
Thomas Silko Otieno Amari, an 18-year-old Kenyan, is living the dream of many footballers aspiring to burst into the scene. The talented footballer plays for Chelsea's Under 19s as he primes himself to get into the senior squad.
At the end of the January 2022 transfer window, he was named in the full Chelsea squad, solidifying his spot in the Academy.
According to the Chelsea Official site, Otieno signed in the Academy as an under-10, after his parents had relocated to the country.
His passion for playing football dated back to a particular day when he spotted a group of boys playing football in the streets during a stroll with his father.
Their art of football dazzled him and he became instantly hooked with their style of play. Eager to learn more, Otieno joined the boys and played with them on a daily basis.
The street style, albeit rough, developed his unique dribbling skills and ball control. The footballer sought to develop his passion by joining Carshalton Athletic for two seasons.
The stars aligned for Otieno during one training session when a Chelsea FC scout spotted him and beseeched him to join the Academy, to which he agreed.
"When I was spotted by Chelsea I was a midfielder wearing the number eight shirt at Carshalton. Once I joined the Academy the only position I can’t remember playing in was as a goalkeeper."
" I decided I liked to play in a forward position to get goals and create assists because that was the most enjoyable thing as a youngster. I’m definitely happy with the decision to play as a forward," Otieno stated.
Over the years, Otieno has had an impressive performance and has contributed goals and assists to the team.
During his debut with the under 18 side, he provided an assist and the subsequent match saw him score a goal to seal a 3-1 win over Southampton.
Otieno will be seeking to curve an edge in order to earn a spot in the senior squad.
"An attacking player who is comfortable on either wing as well as through the middle, he is exciting to watch, possessing good speed and agility to create goals," read part of the profile from the Chelsea official site.
