Chelsea midfielder Reggie Watson has been rewarded for a fine month of football, as he was named Premier League 2 Player of the Month for September.
The 16-year-old midfielder topped an eight-player shortlist to earn the award after a clinical month in front of goal for the Blues.
Watson is regarded as one of Chelsea's highly rated academy prospects, and his award for September underlines his strong start to the season.
He becomes the second player to receive the award this season, with Brentford's Kaye Furo having won the award in August.
How Reggie Watson Won the September PL2 Player of the Month Award
The son of former Wigan Athletic midfielder Ben Watson, Reggie Watson has been tipped for a bright future in the game.
The midfielder featured prominently for the senior team in pre-season before making the step up to Chelsea's Cobham Next Gen squad.
He topped an eight-player shortlist selected by the Premier League Football Development Panel to emerge as September's Player of the Month.
The list included teammates Chizaram Ezenwata (18) and Leo Black (20), as well as Charlie Dinsdale (Sunderland, 19), Tyrese Hall (Tottenham Hotspur, 21), Cruz Ibeh (Middlesbrough, 17), Harvey Vincent (Leeds United, 19), and Will Wright (Liverpool, 18).
He scored three goals in two PL2 appearances during September, both against London opposition.
He scored a brace in a 4-1 win over Arsenal, including a now-trademark free-kick goal and a penalty. He also scored as CNG came from behind to defeat Fulham 3-1.
Watson's performances and accolades against U21 opposition in PL2 after a slow start, and he has now scored five times in four appearances in the competition this season.
How Reggie Watson Is Breaking Into Chelsea’s First Team
Chelsea youngster Reggie Watson appeared in four pre-season games after impressing new boss Xabi Alonso in training, and is in the manager's plans this season.
He was named on the bench for their Carabao Cup meeting with Luton Town in August before his opportunity came just days down the line.
With Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson sidelined, Alonso turned to the 16-year-old to start in their Leeds United game in the Carabao Cup.
He played for only 45 minutes but showed no fear against Premier League opposition, ensuring that he left an impression on those who watched the game.
Watson's performance and accolades against U-21 opposition in PL2 further shows that he can mix it with much older opponents.
The Blues are reported to be considering bringing in midfield reinforcements in January, but with Watson developing as he is, they may choose to be patient and allow him to show what he can do.
