Chelsea's young striker Tyrique George says that he and his fellow team-mates are told to "have fun" after their historic 5-1 victory over Ajax in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old was among three teenage scorers as Enzo Maresca's side secured a resounding win against a weakened opposition, who were reduced to 10 men from the 17th minute following the dismissal of captain Kenneth Taylor.
This sending off triggered a flurry of goals for Chelsea, with 19-year-old forward Marc Guiu scoring just a minute later, followed by Moises Caicedo doubling the lead via a deflection.
- Marc Guiu's five-word reaction, Estevao stays humble and Chelsea legend in awe of Reggie Walsh
- Reece James makes honest Chelsea admission as Josh Acheampong verdict reached
Estevao Willian, the Brazilian winger, converted a penalty to become Chelsea's youngest Champions League scorer, marking his best performance since joining from Palmeiras, after Enzo Fernandez had also scored from the spot.
George's second-half goal, despite being deflected, added to Ajax's misery and fulfilled a childhood dream for the academy graduate. The result also saw Chelsea become the first team in Champions League history to have three teenagers score in a match - in Guiu, Estevao and George.
"It was a really good night," he expressed. "I'm really happy to score my first Champions League goal and it was a great win.
"We got so many goals, we played well, we had fun out there as well. We're all young and having fun. We're having fun on the pitch and that's it. The manager tells us to 'have fun' and really be free when we're in attacking areas and that's what we showed last night.'".
"I was just itching to get on and try and score. That's what I did, so I'm happy." George's sole previous strike this campaign had arrived against Lincoln in the Carabao Cup third round, yet he has earned growing confidence from Maresca since establishing himself in the senior squad last term.
He found the net with one of his team's most crucial efforts last season – an 83rd-minute leveller as Chelsea fought back from behind late to defeat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage in April, precisely when their pursuit of a top-four finish appeared to be slipping away.
Maresca is now benefiting from his belief in the youngster, especially on Wednesday when he was missing both of his expensive summer acquisitions in attack, the suspended Joao Pedro and long-term injury casualty Liam Delap.
"It's an amazing feeling (to score)," said George. "I've wanted it ever since I was eight years old, to score in the Champions League. It's what dreams are made of.
"I think it's just down to working day-by-day in training. I think that's what's making us win, so we just need to keep going and keep going. We just want to keep going, keep improving and keep getting wins."
You may also like
Tarun Kumar Pithode takes charge as Member Secretary of CAQM
FIA probes 'potential' F1 cost cap breaches as paddock rumours swirl at Mexico GP
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma announces Rs 100 Crore YMA Centre to strengthen community initiatives
PM Modi to attend Malaysia's ASEAN Summit virtually
Women's World Cup: Credit To Smriti And Pratika For Converting Starts, Says Skipper Harmanpreet As India Reach Semis