Jake Clarke-Salter is one of Chelsea's new breed of homegrown players that's tipped to lead the club into their next era.
The 20-year-old centre back was kept at the club for the 2017-18 season, not joining the bulk of the club's young players on loan at various clubs around the world, and he's already made an impact on the first team having made his first appearance of the year in an EFL Cup tie.
Now one of the face's of Nike's Tiempo Legend 7, Jake Clarke-Salter reflected on his story so far; from playing in the car parks and cages of London in Nike T90s, through to stepping onto the turf at Stamford Bridge for the first time.
COMPLEX: What does football mean to you?
Jake Clarke-Salter: It means everything to me. Growing up in several different areas playing football with the kids in the parks and cages, all you wanted to be growing up is a footballer so to be in the position I am now is great really.
What was it like growing up in your area?
Growing up in my area was different. My dad lived in Deptford and my mum lived in Sutton and Croydon, so it was mixed really. I had friends on both sides but I played football wherever I was so growing up in both areas was fun. Growing up in my area was difficult at times but football brings everyone together. It’s a way of forgetting things and, the way we see it, it’s a way of life really. We played football every day; after school, we’d come back, go to the park, play in the street. It’s what made us the people we are today to be honest.
What does it mean to you to be a Londoner?
Being a Londoner means a lot to me. Obviously growing up in several areas in London, playing football, it’s where I’m from, it’s something within me so it will never get away from me wherever I live now.
"as I started to grow up, I got pushed back into the defensive side of the game so John Terry was my idol."
What were your first pair of boots and how are they different to the ones you use today?
My first pair of boots were Total 90s, I think. The red and silver ones Rooney wore them at the time. I remember using them with my Sunday league side, playing as a striker and scoring a lot of goals. Those actual boots got me to academy level and I’ve even got them framed in my house. But they’re a lot different to the Tiempos now. The Tiempo now is a lot lighter and lot more suited to the modern game so they are a lot better.
Who were your role models as a kid?
My football role models were Ronaldinho and John Terry. When I was younger, everyone looks up to someone flashy, the exciting players, so that’s someone that got me into football who also wore the Tiempo’s that I wear. But as I started to grow up, I got pushed back into the defensive side of the game so John Terry was my idol as well. It was the way he played and the fact he was captain for Chelsea for a number of years. So really both of those players were my idols and my two favourite players.
How did you get into football?
Funnily enough I’m told I used to roll a ball with my grandma, so from when I was a one year old I was always with a ball. So, when I grew up it was just a habit. Then I started playing with my friends in the local area. That’s all we knew; it was just football, football, football.
"I remember thinking, 'all these players that have won Champions Leagues and I’m stepping on the pitch with them', it was a proud moment."
How did you get into football?
Funnily enough I’m told I used to roll a ball with my grandma, so from when I was a one year old I was always with a ball. So, when I grew up it was just a habit. Then I started playing with my friends in the local area. That’s all we knew; it was just football, football, football.
What was it like coming through the academy system?
Coming through the academy system was a brilliant experience. From the age of ten until very recently, it was amazing. I won a lot of trophies with the youth teams including three youth cups and two youth leagues so I can take that invaluable experience when moving onto the next step. That’s massive and I think the academy helps a lot.
What was it like making your debut?
Making my debut was a special moment. Obviously I’d been dreaming of that moment since I was a little kid and being able to step onto that pitch in front of thousands of people was something I’ll never forget. I’ll cherish that for the rest of my life and just being able to step on the pitch with those players – I remember thinking, “all these players that have won Champions Leagues and I’m stepping on the pitch with them” so it was a really proud moment for my family and myself.
What’s it like being in the first team set up?
Being in the first team is great – obviously I’m training everyday with some of the best players in the world. As a defender going up against players like Willian and Eden Hazard, and training with them every day is something that will help me improve and that’s how I will get onto the next level. Playing with these players every day is hard but I look forward to it because, in the end, I know it will make me a better player.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My aspirations for the future are just to get better and better, working hard every day to be the best player I can be. Obviously one of my dreams is playing for my country at a senior level, that’s something that will always be a target. Also playing for Chelsea regularly is another target of mine so I work hard every day to try and achieve those goals.
What message would you give to young aspiring footballers?
My message to young aspiring footballers is don’t give up. Everyday just keep believing. Belief is the main thing, don’t doubt yourself, don’t look at others with what they are doing. Everyone’s path is different, everyone’s time is different. Keep believing in yourself because good things will happen and if you keep on this narrow road, anything is possible.
"Football means the world to me. Since I was little, that’s all my friends and I have known."
What does football mean to you?
Football means the world to me. Since I was little, that’s all my friends and I have known. Growing up in certain areas of London, it’s not always as good as it seems and playing football was a way of forgetting the bad things that happened. In that moment, when you’re playing football, you just forget everything. Everything that happens and that’s going on in your life is forgotten. But it’s also fun, it’s about playing with your friends and enjoying those great memories you make whilst playing with a ball so for me it means everything.
How does the Tiempo reflect your game?
The Tiempo reflects my game perfectly. I like to see myself as a ball playing centre half and, although they’re tough, they are very comfortable. It assures me that I don’t need to worry about what’s on my feet, I can just concentrate on my game and that helps me play better.
Jake Clarke-Salter wears Nike Tiempo Legend VII – crafted from premium leather for exceptional touch and available now at nike.com.
