Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea are looking for their promising loanees to enjoy successful seasons away from the club, however will be unhappy with the treatment of Reggie Walsh today.
Walsh has impressed Wigan Athletic fans in the early stages of his time there, in what is the first senior loan move of his career.
Wigan manager Gary Caldwell has also waxed lyrical about the midfielder, however will be facing questions from Chelsea as to how he decided to use him during their League One fixture against Stockport County.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Chelsea loanee Reggie Walsh used in the wrong position in Wigan’s 4-0 defeat
Walsh lined up on the left of attack, a position he has never featured in or been considered to play in during his time at Cobham and Stamford Bridge.
They found themselves 3-0 down within 21 minutes, and ended up losing 4-0 at home.
Walsh was taken off after 45 minutes, which perhaps comes as no surprise after he was being asked to feature in an unfamiliar position rather than his usual role in the middle of the park.
He had just 14 touches of the ball during his time on the pitch, completing 10/11 of his passes and recovering possession twice.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
It has been a worrying start for Wigan, who have lost four of their five games so far in League One, despite Walsh impressing.
Reggie Walsh getting the Reece James treatment
Wigan have a good track record of developing young Chelsea players after they utilised Reece James to a high standard when he was just a teenager.
Even then though, the Latics were prepared to go against the grain by using him away from his recognised position of right-back, instead using him as a central midfielder.
In 2026, this can be seen as a boost for the Blues with Xabi Alonso looking to use the skipper as a midfielder in his 3-4-2-1 formation.
The future for Walsh is very much in the heart of midfield though, and Chelsea will not want to see him featuring away from that role for too much longer.