TNT Sports were forced into an apology after Chelsea captain Reece James was unable to contain his excitement following the historic appearance of youngster Reggie Walsh.
The 16-year-old Walsh became the Blues’ youngest-ever starter in Europe when he was named in the side that faced Djurgarden in the Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday night.
Enzo Maresca’s side cruised to a 1-0 win on the night and 5-1 aggregate victory that sealed their place in the final later this month, where they will face LaLiga side Real Betis. But all the conversation post match was focussed on the nifty No 10, who was afforded the full 90 minutes of the contest.
Afterwards, Blues skipper James waxed lyrical about the teenager’s display. His praise so effusive that he appeared to forget he was live TV and blurted out an expletive when remarking on youngsters ability to replicate his impressive performances in training in a real game.
‘I’ve seen him in training lots, but training and games are different,’ he said. ‘This is the first time I’ve seen him play in a game and I was like f****** h***, I didn’t realise how good he actually was.
‘Training is training and you can’t judge too much what you see in training.’
Midfielder Reggie Walsh became Chelsea’s youngest-ever starter in Europe on Thursday night
Chelsea cruised into the final of the Conference League after a 1-0 win against Djurgarden, 5-1 on aggregate
Defender Josh Acheampong, only 19-years-old himself, also reserved special praise for Chelsea’s history maker, adding: ‘It’s the first time I’ve played with Reggie as well. Even though I’m young he’s a lot younger than me. I just said to him be confident, whatever you do in the 18s, 21s, just try and replicate here.’
With Chelsea overmatching almost all of the sides they have faced in the Conference League, the competition has afford Maresca the chance to hand opportunities to academy starlets.
Walsh got his first taste of action in last week’s first leg and nearly scored after coming on as full-time approached. Following the game, Maresca said: ‘I felt excited to give him the chance. He’s suited to our style. He’s the eighth debut from the academy.
‘He is perfect for our system, but of course he’s also young, so we need to protect him. I told him to enjoy the experience before he came on. It was the perfect night – an important semi-final and a good result.’
On Thursday, the Blues sealed their place in the final with a 1-0 win courtesy of a first-half goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The midfielder cut in on to his left foot and found the bottom corner. With that, the Blues led by four goals on aggregate. Dewsbury-Hall was signed from Leicester for £30million.
He has played a minor role in the Premier League, but has managed more minutes than anyone in this competition and will be worthy of that medal if Chelsea can see it through.
Chelsea will face their toughest test in the Estadio Municipal de Breslavia in Warsaw on May 28. LaLiga side Betis secured their place in the clash after a nail-biting 4-3 aggregate win over Fiorentina.