This is part one in a series of articles on the successes and failings of Chelsea Youth Academy. The series will analyse players and eventually be concluded in an in depth look at what is happening in Chelsea Youth Academy at the minute.
Josh McEachran Is an 18 year old football player contracted to Chelsea Football Club. In my opinion he is Chelsea’s best youth player and has recently cemented his place as a back-up player for the first team. When speaking to a Chelsea fan about Josh he was unsure as to why he had not been sent on loan this season, yet to Andre Villas-Boas keeping him at Chelsea is paramount to his plans for Premier Division Glory. The Former Porto managed has praised McEachran on several occasions stating his belief that the youngster has ‘So much talent.’
McEachran looks set to flourish at Chelsea. He has already featured in 19 first team games, starting in five of them. He has not yet scored for them but has got two goals for England’s youth teams. He was originally scouted by Chelsea playing for his local side, Garden City F.C. in the Oxford Mail Boys League. As well as adding to his capa, Both for Chelsea and England, He has plenty of silverware. The 18 year old has already won Chelsea’s Young Player of the Year 2011 and Oxford Sportsman of the Year.
Under former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink he was played as a defensive midfielder but more recently he has filled a more attacking roll. This has led many to believe he is the long term replacement for Chelsea Legend Frank Lampard. They have had a very similar experience internationally, both playing for England’s youth teams, McEachran gaining 27 appearances and Lampard gaining 16.Lampard however is 33 and many are calling for his international retirement to make way for younger players such as McEachran. The Chelsea number 8’s appearances for Chelsea are starting to look tiresome and he may be starting to lose those qualities which have cemented him in Chelsea’s history books.
It would be highly optimistic to claim McEachran will score anywhere near the amount of goals Lampard has in his glittering career but he does have many of the qualities required to equal his influence from midfield. What impresses me most about the Chelsea Youngster is his close control of the ball which is very reminiscent of Zidane’s. The Frenchman has always been listed amongst McEachran’s heroes but it is his similarity to Zidane that really matters when it comes down to 90 minutes.
McEachran is ready to come out of his shell this season under the Villas-Boas regime. Lampard may be on his way out and Chelsea need a new star player and they do not need to look further than the Chelsea number 20. Chelsea fans keep your eyes open and prepare for Josh McEachran Coming to a pitch near you!
