Ben Foster praises young Chelsea stars after rout of Wrexham in pre-season friendly as veteran goalkeeper says: ‘Wow. There’s so much pace, they’re so sharp’

Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster was really impressed as Chelsea‘s young stars launched the Mauricio Pochettino era in style by thrashing the Welsh side 5-0 in a pre-season friendly in North Carolina.

The former Manchester United, Watford and West Brom stopper was beaten in the third minute by Ian Maatsen

And the defender doubled Chelsea’s advantage just before half-time.

Foster was replaced by Rob Lainton at the break and he was powerless to stop Chelsea adding another three goals. 

Afterwards Foster said he was impressed with Chelsea’s attacking flair.

Former England and Man United goalkeeper Ben Foster played the first half for Wrexham

Ian Maatsen starred in the first half with a brace as Chelsea raced into a 2-0 lead in the clash

Ben Chilwell’s 93rd minute strike completed the rout with a cute toe-poke from close range

He told Chelsea’s Instagram account: ‘Wow. It’s from this third here, the final third. When they get the ball in the final third, wow. Runners down the wing, players coming inside going outside, and they’re always taking the ball on the run.

‘They’re either already running or they’re picking it and running with it so it just gets you on the back foot straight away and it’s good to see. There’s so much pace, they’re so sharp.’

More than 50,000 fans packed out Kenan Stadium in sweltering conditions and were rewarded with a standout performance by 21-year-old Maatsen who scored the opening two goals playing in an attacking left-wing role.

Maatsen stepped up having been named in the Championship team of the year last season following a successful loan spell with title winners Burnley.

Young England midfielder Conor Gallagher also scored to give Pochettino further food for thought, while new signing Christopher Nkunku added a fourth before Ben Chilwell rounded off the scoring.