With a 4-1 aggregate lead over Djurgaarden in their Europa Conference League semi-final, Chelsea decided to take a risk and made Reggie Walsh the youngest player to ever start a European game for them. The midfielder came off the bench during the first leg of the clash, but was handed a start by Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.
The gamble paid off and Chelsea eased past their opponents with ease. A singular goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was all it took on the night and the Blues won 5-1 on aggregate, progressing to the final and a chance at a European trophy. Considering the occasion, it was the perfect chance for a player like Walsh, who is just 16 years old, to get his first start. His manager is clearly very high on the prospect too, as he compared him to a Chelsea icon before kick-off.
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Maresca Compared Walsh to Joe Cole
He said the youngster almost had Cole's ability
Joe Cole Chelsea
If Chelsea fans needed any indication as to how highly Maresca rates Walsh, they got it before the second leg got underway, as the former Leicester City boss compared his young star to one of Chelsea's most exciting players ever in Joe Cole. The Englishman was a maverick on the ball during his time at Stamford Bridge and before injuries slowed him down, it looked as though he was destined to become one of the best players in the world. He was certainly one of the most skilled players in Premier League history.
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As luck would have it, Cole was working as a pundit for the game and he spoke to the manager before kick-off. When the topic of Walsh getting his first start came up, Maresca said:
"He's almost got youre [Cole] quality. Almost. He's very good. Technique is fantastic. I really like him. He's not shy, he's asking for the ball, he's shouting, he's talking, so I like him. He's a good player."
That's high praise from the coach. His performance in the game left Chelsea fans with plenty to say about him too and they also seem to be impressed with the teenager.
Chelsea Fans Rave About Walsh
They were excited by his performance
Starting for a club like Chelsea at just 16 years old is quite a daunting task and it's pressure that many footballers might crumble under. That wasn't the case with Walsh, though, and he delivered a fine performance as the Blues cruised past their opponents. He played the entire match and rarely put a foot wrong throughout. He was so good, in fact, that Chelsea fans were quick to jump on social media and give their thoughts.
One fan compared him to another former Chelsea superstar and said: "We have our Fabregas regen in Reggie Walsh," while another posted: "Take a bow, Reggie Walsh. He really hasn’t looked out of place. I have been really impressed with his confidence in every action. Enzo Maresca wasn’t lying when he said Reggie isn’t afraid of calling for the ball, receiving the ball, etc."
A third supporter simply stated: "The Dude, Reggie Walsh is balling." And a fourth shared that sentiment, posting: "Reggie Walsh is a beautiful player."