“He’s perfect for our style of play” — Maresca lauds 16-year-old after becoming Chelsea’s youngest debutant since 1967
In a defining moment for Chelsea’s youth revolution, 16-year-old Reggie Walsh made his senior debut in Chelsea’s emphatic 4-1 Conference League semi-final win over Djurgarden — and head coach Enzo Maresca couldn’t hide his delight.
Walsh came on in the final minutes, but his appearance wasn’t just symbolic — it was a statement. Becoming the youngest Chelsea debutant in nearly six decades, Walsh embodied the club’s new philosophy under Maresca: bold, technical, and homegrown.
“He’s perfect for our style of play,” Maresca said. “Honestly, I’ve been excited to give him this chance for a long time. He understands our game, he fits the way we want to play, and he’s been working very hard.”
But Maresca also urged patience. “He’s still very young, and he needs to grow, to learn, to stay humble. But we’re happy — it’s a special moment for him and for us.”
Walsh’s debut marks the eighth academy debut under Maresca this season, a staggering stat that highlights the club’s shift toward youth-led progress. With talents like Cole Palmer, George, and now Walsh emerging, Chelsea’s future suddenly feels thrillingly close.
