Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea youngster Reggie Watson made his first team debut during the 6-3 EFL Cup third round victory over Leeds United, becoming the fourth youngest to ever feature for the Blues.
Xabi Alonso made nine changes from the defeat to Arsenal, and amongst the changes 16-year-old Watson was brought into the starting side.
The Blues are struggling for options in the middle of the park, with Moises Caicedo injured and Romeo Lavia’s minutes continuing to be managed.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Carabao Cup Third Round
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s youngest ever players as Reggie Watson makes his debut
It became clear in pre-season that Watson had made an impression on Xabi Alonso, and this led to a Chelsea debut which he will remember for the rest of his life.
Let’s take a look at where he ranks amongst the youngest players ever to start for the club…
Rank Player Date of Birth Age on Debut
1 Ian HamiltonCentral Midfield 18/03/1967 16 years 04 months 15 days
2 Kingsley WhiffenGoalkeeper 09/05/1967 16 years 05 months 06 days
3 Reggie WalshAttacking Midfield 01/05/2025 16 years 06 months 11 days
4 Reggie WatsonCentral Midfield 09/09/2026 16 years 07 months 14 days
5 Tommy LangleyCentre-Forward 09/11/1974 16 years 09 months 01 day
6 Michael WoodsCentral Midfield 06/01/2007 16 years 09 months 00 days
7 John SparrowLeft-back 13/03/1974 16 years 09 months 10 days
8 Mike HarrisonLeft Wing 13/04/1957 16 years 11 months 26 days
9 Ian PearceCentre-Back 11/05/1991 17 years 04 days
10 Ethan AmpaduDefensive Midfield 20/09/2017 17 years 06 days
Watson is less than a month older than how old Reggie Walsh was when he was handed a start by Enzo Maresca for the 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax last season.
10th-youngest debutant Ethan Ampadu was actually on the opposition side last night, and played a key role in Leeds’ second goal.
With the Blues waiting for the likes of Caicedo and Jordan Henderson to return, Watson has proven he can fill in as an option in the middle of the park if required.
Alonso may well consider using the teenager at the weekend when Chelsea host Hull City, which would see him make his Premier League debut.