Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Reggie Walsh made his first appearance for Wigan after joining on loan from Chelsea for the season.
Reggie Walsh had Stamford Bridge buzzing after turning heads during pre-season, looking entirely unbothered while earning senior minutes under Xabi Alonso.
But instead of letting the 17-year-old talent rot on a crowded Chelsea bench, Cobham did the smart thing and shipped Walsh straight off on loan to Wigan Athletic.
It’s the exact blueprint Reece James used to turn men’s football into his personal playground. Wigan gets an insanely gifted playmaker, while Chelsea gets their prized academy kid properly battle-tested in the challenging, relentless grind of League One.
Reggie Walsh makes his Wigan Atheltic debut
Handed Wigan’s iconic number 10 shirt, Reggie Walsh slid straight into the central attacking midfield role for his debut against Leyton Orient.
Operating right behind the frontline, the Chelsea loanee almost bagged a dream start, nearly tearing the net off with a venomous 15-yard volley that required saving.
Despite the 2-0 defeat, Wigan fans saw shades of Reece James in the youngster.
This fan said: “I’ve seen enough. Reggie Walsh is the new Reece James. That is all.”
Another said: “Very composed, and runs so easily with ball at his feet. Some of his little passes so far have been excellent.”
“Reggie Walsh serious baller. Genuinely strange a player having such confidence with the ball at 17 gonna be a serious player in years to come.” This fan added.
After just one game, this fan thinks he’s too good: “Reggie walsh automatically far too good for this league.”
Another supporter was in disbelief: “Reggie Walsh is gonna be some player isn’t he, how’ve we managed to get him playing League One football…”
Reggie Walsh’s stats for Wigan against Leyton Orient
Walsh had two shots, 59 touches, a passing accuracy percentage of 83, one chance created, five passes into the opposition’s box, two tackles, five clearances and one interception.
It’s still early days, but the reaction from the Wigan fans is certainly promising.
During his legendary 2018–19 loan at Wigan, Reece James made 46 appearances, swept Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year, and captained his final game.