In a thrilling display of youthful talent, Chelsea FC has handed a start to 16-year-old midfielder Reggie Walsh in the second leg of the Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden. The match, taking place on May 8, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, sees Chelsea leading the tie 4-1 on aggregate after a convincing victory in Sweden last week.
Walsh's inclusion in the starting lineup is particularly noteworthy as he has become the third youngest player ever to start a competitive match for Chelsea, trailing only Ian Hamilton and Kingsley Whiffen. His journey to this moment has been remarkable, having joined the Chelsea academy at just seven years old. This season, he has showcased his skills in the U18 Premier League, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 15 appearances, while also demonstrating a combative edge with six yellow cards.
Manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his confidence in Walsh's abilities, stating, "He is talented, technically he’s fantastic – I really like him. Between the lines you can see immediately that he has something about him." Maresca's decision to start Walsh comes after the teenager made his senior debut in the first leg against Djurgarden, where he came off the bench to contribute to Chelsea's commanding win.
In that first leg, Chelsea took control early with goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and a brace from Nicolas Jackson. Although Djurgarden managed to score a consolation goal through Isak Alemayehu Mulugeta, the Blues' dominant performance left them in a strong position heading into the return match.
Walsh's rise through the ranks has been rapid, and he has already represented England at various youth levels, including U15, U16, and U17. His technical prowess and confidence on the ball have made him a standout player in the academy, and Maresca believes he is well-suited to the team's playing style. "He’s suited to our style. We’re happy. He’s the eighth debut from the Academy. I just told him to enjoy the experience before he came on," Maresca added.
As the match progresses, the focus will be on how Walsh handles the pressure of playing in such a high-stakes environment, especially considering he is currently in the midst of his GCSEs. The young midfielder's performance could signal a bright future for Chelsea, as they look to integrate more academy talent into the first team.
Walsh's inclusion adds an intriguing storyline to what might otherwise have been a routine fixture. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how he performs alongside established players like Reece James and Jadon Sancho. With Chelsea looking to solidify their place in the final, Walsh's debut could very well mark the beginning of a promising career.
As the game unfolds, spectators will be watching closely to see if Walsh can make an impact on the pitch and help lead Chelsea to victory in this crucial match. With the aggregate score favoring the Blues, the stage is set for a memorable night at Stamford Bridge, and for Walsh, it’s a chance to prove that he belongs at this level.
