Chelsea’s Walsh Debuts at 16, Impressing in Conference League Win

LONDON, England — Chelsea‘s Reggie Walsh made his senior debut at just 16 years old during the team’s 4-1 win against Djurgarden in the Conference League semi-final on Thursday. The teenager came on in the second half, marking a historic moment as the youngest player to don a Chelsea jersey since 1967.

Manager Enzo Maresca expressed his excitement about Walsh’s debut, stating, “He’s very young, but in the way we want to play, he’s perfect. He’s suited to our style. We’re happy to have him on the team.” Walsh joined Chelsea at age seven, progressing through the youth ranks at Cobham and representing England from under-15 to under-17 levels.

Walsh’s debut happened shortly after teammate Noni Madueke scored in the first half, helping Chelsea secure a strong lead. Although the match was nearly settled, Maresca decided to introduce Walsh with 10 minutes left on the clock. The young midfielder nearly scored with his first touch, showcasing his potential and earning praise from both fans and teammates.

Nicolas Jackson, another player who featured in the match, described Walsh as a “top quality” player. He emphasized the teenager’s potential, saying, “For sure he’s going to go far. I’m very happy for him to make his debut.” Jackson’s praise reflects the team camaraderie and the positive atmosphere surrounding Walsh’s entry into the senior squad.

After the match, Maresca highlighted the importance of giving young talents a chance, noting Walsh was the eighth player to debut from the academy this season. “We need to protect him, but I just told him to enjoy the experience before he came on,” Maresca added. With Chelsea set to face Djurgarden again in the second leg, fans eagerly await if Walsh will feature once more.