English Premiership: Although Jose Mourinho's concerns are firmly rooted in the defence of his Premiership title, the Chelsea manager was given a tantalising glimpse of seasons to come here.

A laboured 2-1 victory over DC United in the second game of their pre-season tour of North America riled Mourinho, but he was cheered up by the display of Freddy Adu - the 16-year-old winger considered one of the hottest talents in world soccer.

Adu is already one of the biggest names in Major League Soccer and was first linked with Chelsea two years ago. He has been compared to Pele and while such compliments can only increase the pressure on such young shoulders, Adu played with a confident swagger that belied his years.

Mourinho found time to talk to Adu before the game but had to wait 45 minutes to see the prodigy in action. The 31,473 crowd raised their voices when he came on the pitch and demanded the Ghanaian-born American be given the ball on every occasion.

In one dazzling dribble, Chelsea's new signing Lassana Diarra was turned inside out as Adu went through his array of tricks. The American fans cheered as if he had scored, but might not be as happy to hear that he is already eyeing a move to Stamford Bridge.

"I definitely want to play for Chelsea one day," said Adu. "They're my favourite club in England. I spoke to Mourinho before the game, we were just having fun and he congratulated me on the goal I scored last week.

"He knew a lot about me already. Playing in the Premiership is a goal for me. I think I can achieve it if I keep working hard and keep my head on straight.

"All the Chelsea players impressed me. They're great players - they have people like Frank Lampard, Arjen Robben and Damien Duff. Playing against them was great for me.

"They played hard and that is what it is all about. A move to Chelsea is a possibility for sure. I would love to play for them. At 18 I start exercising my options and I hope I get a call from a big club."

Joe Cole, who played the first half for Chelsea, knows all about being a hyped-up teenager. The England international watched Adu from the sidelines and was in no doubt he could make the grade.

"I thought Freddy did well," Cole said. "He showed some nice touches. It's

difficult to have a lot of pressure on young shoulders - which I know all about - but you just have to deal with it.

"As long as he keeps focusing on becoming an even better player and training hard, which I'm sure he is because he will have the right people around him, he will have a very good career. I wish him all the best.

"He would be good at Chelsea. He's the sort of player who will be coveted all over the world because he's a talent and all the good players are linked with Chelsea."

Chelsea, perhaps wearied by the ferocious training regime on this trip, were at times made to look ordinary by a fired-up DC United side.

The Premiership champions had coasted to victory against Milan, but it was a different story at the home of the Washington Redskins. It took a smart block from Glen Johnson to prevent Joshua Gros from putting the home side in front.

The home fans sang "overrated", suggesting that, whatever the comparison in football terms, standards of chanting in the United States have yet to reach English Premiership quality.

They subsequently went wild when Bobby Boswell climbed unchallenged to head past Petr Cech after 31 minutes, but their joy was short-lived.

Shaun Wright-Phillips crossed for Damien Duff to volley an equaliser four minutes later and Hernan Crespo scored the winner, his first goal for Chelsea since he returned from his Milan loan, after the break.

But it was Adu who made the greatest impression so it may not be long before he lines up in the Premiership in a blue shirt.

Meanwhile, Olympique Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has agreed to meet Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to discuss the transfer of midfielder Michael Essien.

Chelsea have made it clear they want to sign the Ghana midfielder, but Lyon are reluctant to let him go and the French champions have put a €45 million tag on the player. ...

Guardian Service