Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The concern for Chelsea’s youngsters is that the enormous turnover of players often leaves Cobham’s breakthrough talent little chance of playing or getting a chance. Well, ask Reggie Watson if that’s true.
The 16-year-old was handed his competitive debut on Wednesday night after playing regularly for Xabi Alonso during the pre-season tour of Asia and Australia. He started the game and lasted 45 minutes.
Chelsea XI vs Leeds
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Yes, Watson was hooked at half-time along with Estevao and Jamie Gittens. He might not have played as well as he would have liked, but his debut is a clear sign Alonso rates him and is excited by his potential.
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John Terry says Reggie Walsh is the biggest news from the win
Speaking on his YouTube channel during Friday’s episode, Chelsea legend Terry explained how he was delighted for Walsh. He says he has been working with Ben Watson’s son for a long time in the academy.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Carabao Cup Third Round
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Terry also shares how every manager that has been in the door at Chelsea over the year were impressed with Walsh. Hopefully for Walsh, the 16-year-old can build on his debut under Alonso this season.
“Debut at 16. Incredible for the young boy and what a player he will be. Biggest news of the night for me. Great for him and his family, great kid, been around him for the last year or so now”, Terry said.
“What an attitude; every manager that’s been in the building in the last year or so has absolutely loved him. Delighted for him, but also what it does for the pathway for young players. It gives everyone belief.
“The manager is looking and will trust younger players. So when the younger players go and train with the first team, important they do so with the right attitude, right mentality, and show what they can do.”
Chelsea v Leeds United - Carabao Cup Third Round
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea have the two perfect mentors for Reggie Watson
Imagine being a young 16-year-old, English midfielder with enormous potential, on the brink of breaking into Chelsea’s first team on a regular basis. To make the leap, he needs quality examples to learn from.
Chelsea could not have given Watson a better platform with two new arrivals in the summer. Xabi Alonso has been one of the best midfielders of the millennium, and now he’s his manager. The perfect tutor.
Not only is Alonso his manager, but he also has Jordan Henderson to learn from. A similar type of player that plays with aggression, leadership, and relies on mentality; Walsh has the perfect platform at Cobham.