Photo by Luis Veniegra/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Photo by Luis Veniegra/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea made an excellent start to the new season. But the form has turned, a 3-0 hammering at Brentford last time out. The same goes for Reggie Walsh at Wigan.
After catching the eye on tour with Chelsea against Western Sydney Wanderers, and a brilliant season with the U21 side at Cobham, Walsh won himself what looked like an exciting loan with third-tier Wigan.
Of course, Wigan are a big club at League One level and many felt they might make a push for promotion this season. Walsh made an excellent start, instantly in the starting XI and playing a key role for Wigan.
READ MORE: Chelsea finally have the next Frank Lampard on their hands after Saturday win
Wigan fans criticise Walsh as Latics go rock-bottom
But the novelty has worn off. Wigan sit rock-bottom of League One after seven games, winning just four points and losing five matches. On Saturday, Walsh lasted 82 minutes as Wycombe beat Wigan 1-0.
Another home defeat for Wigan, who have made a dismal start to the campaign. Initial thoughts on Walsh looked positive, but as Wigan’s form has plummeted, so has the opinion of the Chelsea wonderkid.
The overriding feeling among Wigan fans is that Walsh is not living up to the player the Latics thought they had signed. One posted on X following the 1-0 loss: “Walsh isn’t player we thought he would be”.
Chelsea top academy prospect
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
“This lad Reggie Walsh needs to step up soon as we can’t have back seat passengers in this league 1 relegation battle”, was the reaction of another Wigan supporter, having watched the 1-0 home defeat.
“Walsh has fell into the hole”, and “Walsh isn’t as good as people make out”, were more reactions from disgruntled Wigan supporters who have watched their team go from hopefuls to relegation candidates.
Despite his form, Reggie Walsh gets England U19 call up
Despite struggling with Wigan this season – which, it has to be said, is a collective problem and not simply Walsh himself – Walsh has earned himself a call up for England’s U19 side. It is the first of his career.
Walsh had been a regular for the U18s, winning 10 caps. He has also been capped at U15, U16 and U17 level by the Three Lions. During the break, Walsh could win as many as four caps with the Under-19’s.
Will Antwi’s side take on Ireland, the United States, Norway and Belgium during the break. Perhaps, a bit of time to take the mind off Wigan’s start to the season will be exactly what 17-year-old Walsh needs.