Chelsea starlet Dominic Solanke has today completed a season-long loan move to Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie.
After appearing in both Chelsea's post-season and pre-season tours, Solanke will be plying his trade in the top flight of Holland for the upcoming campaign. The 17-year old is rated extremely high by Chelsea and is hoped to be set to break into the first team any time soon, but a loan move is a test to see how the young striker handles playing at the top level.
A hugely productive season with the Academy
Solanke played a key part in Chelsea's Academy teams last season, helping to win the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League Final. A dynamic partnership with Tammy Abraham saw the two score a combined 82 goals during the 2014/15 campaign, Solanke bagging 44 himself.
After being handed his first-team debut against Maribor in the Champions League last season, it was clear why Solanke was quickly emerging as one of Chelsea's brightest talents. Solanke scored the lone goal in Chelsea's post-season tour of Australia and Thailand before featuring in the Blues' tour of North America just recently.
Solanke will not be alone in Arnhem
A successful loan with Vitesse, alongside fellow Blues youths Izzy Brown, Danilo Pantic and Lewis Baker, is likely to spell more appearances for the youngster.
The loan move is Solanke's first away from Chelsea and at 17 years of age, it is a very big step in his young career. While he may not start consistently, he will see a lot more game time in the Eredivisie than in the Premier League and at his age, experience and game time is more important than ever.
The scope for Solanke to improve is impressive to say the least and everyone at Chelsea will be expecting him to exceed expectations at Vitesse in order to earn himself a place in the Chelsea team next season.