Reggie Walsh is winning plaudits in Sweden following his performance in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Djurgarden.
The young midfielder made his Chelsea debut as a substitute in the first-leg victory before earning his first start in the second leg on Thursday night.
Walsh and his teammates won the Conference League semi-final tie 5-1 on aggregate and will now face Real Betis in the final.
While the likes of Walsh and Tyrique George played well, with that final being such a huge game for Chelsea, you would expect them to drop back down to the bench. Walsh may not even make the matchday squad altogether, which is understandable given that he is still only 16.
Chelsea fans were impressed with Walsh’s performance against Djurgarden, but they were not the only ones.
Swedish publication FotbollDirekt could not get enough of the teenager either, claiming that he could evolve into anything one day.
Following the game, they wrote: “The 16-year-old can become anything he wants. Chelsea’s 16-year-old Reggie Walsh was allowed to jump into the first match and made his debut for the Premier League team’s first team. There and then he came on for two minutes, but on Thursday night it was different. Walsh got the chance to start against Djurgarden and became Chelsea’s youngest player to start a European match — ever.
“Although the youth of the super talent was clearly visible, many people were probably really surprised by the young Englishman. Walsh was responsible for a delicious action when he really spun up the defence and it feels like this was not the last we saw of the youngster.”
Enzo Maresca has been criticised by Chelsea supporters for what they have perceived as lacklustre football at times. However, one thing that the Chelsea boss deserves credit for is his use of youngsters.
Maresca has given out a lot of debuts to academy kids, including the likes of Walsh and George. Using them has paid off as well, with George scoring an important equaliser against Fulham last month before Pedro Neto’s stunning winner.
What Joe Cole has said about Reggie Walsh
Joe Cole has also joined the Swedish media and Chelsea fans in praising Walsh.
When Cole discussed Walsh at half-time, he said: “He’s been very comfortable. He’s looked at ease. He’s got on the ball. He’s received the ball. He’s been the most fouled player on the pitch. He receives the ball well. The biggest compliment you can pay a young player when they’re making their debut is they look at ease, and he has done.”
This is undoubtedly not the last time Chelsea supporters hear Walsh’s name. At only 16, the future really does look bright for him.
The Blues did not want to be in the Conference League, but it has at least given Maresca the opportunity to blood some really talented youngsters. If Chelsea are in the Champions League next season, he may not get the opportunity to do that.
