If the first pre-season fixture taught us anything, it’s that the Chelsea academy is overflowing with potential. Among the youngsters who stood out on Tuesday, Reggie Watson caught the eye.
Alonso named six Chelsea academy players in the starting line-up alongside senior players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Dario Essugo. Landon Emenalo and Reggie Watson impressed.
CONFIRMED: Chelsea XI to face Western Sydney Wanderers.
Xabi Alonso has included a whole host of Chelsea academy stars in his first XI.
But it was Chelsea’s other Reggie, 16-year-old Watson, who really caught the eye. He was the only player to complete the entire 90 minutes during the enthralling 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Since the win, Chelsea fans have been comparing him to Declan Rice on social media. Fans are excited by the former Crystal Palace academy ace, the son of FA Cup hero Ben Watson. He’s also spoken since.
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Reggie Watson names the three Chelsea players helping him
His power, his tenacity, and ultimately his stamina caught the eye as Chelsea eventually secured a 6-4 win, largely thanks to a hat-trick from Joao Pedro. Jamie Gittens, Dastan Satpaev and Essugo also scored.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
What was perhaps a surprise to Chelsea fans only just finding out about Watson is his set-piece ability, something he has shown off for a while now in the academy. He spoke to Chelsea’s website after the win.
Describing himself as “knackered” after completing 90 minutes with Spurs up next, Watson shared how Tosin, Cole Palmer and Liam Delap have been helping him behind the scenes in Chelsea training.
“Our tour has been top so far. I’m only 16, so I’ve not been to any of the countries we are visiting before. Being here in Australia is a great experience – and being here with Chelsea makes it even more special.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of the boys in the squad, especially the English players like Tosin, Cole and Liam Delap. They’ve been really helpful and given me advice. And, of course, the manager has been brilliant.”
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
But with Delap linked with an exit and a remaining chance that Tosin may be another casualty come the deadline, Palmer may take on an instrumental role in Watson’s development moving forward.
Cole Palmer role in Reggie Watson’s development is now crucial
However, of the three players that Watson leans on behind the scenes, two could quite easily leave this summer. Delap has been strongly linked with an exit and did little to show Alonso he should stay.
With his best mate Morgan Rogers announced, how many goals and assists does Cole Palmer get this season?👀
Aston Villa FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
The latest report from iNews says Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Everton are all keen on a £40m deal. Tosin is one of 10 centre-backs at Chelsea, with Maxence Lacroix set to arrive at Stamford Bridge soon.
Reports say Alonso wants to keep Tosin for his leadership, but the chances are that the former Man City man could join Delap in leaving. Palmer, however, is going absolutely nowhere in the next few weeks.
While Xabi Alonso will be key for Watson, as will other players in the squad, Palmer may have to take on a bigger role in Watson’s development if Delap and Tosin depart. There are worse players to learn from.
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