Rising star Alfie Gilchrist has received an incredible reception amidst his introduction to top flight football and despite only featuring in two Premier League games this season, Chelsea fans have shown their utmost admiration for the 20 year old.
Blues fans simply can’t get enough of the young man and his cameo in their 2-1 win against Crystal Palace will tell you why. He may have come on late but fans couldn’t help but notice his astonishing energy and power shown on display. The performance mirrored a young man who bleeds blue, putting his all into tackles and even commanding the squad at times.
His unorthodox tackles and unapologetic hostility are the reason Chelsea legend and coach John Terry has been quick to praise the prospect, reposting a video on Instagram of Gilchrist throwing himself into tackles with the caption: “I f**king love this”. The Chelsea legend also made his say in a fan interview when asked which up and coming academy player to look out for.
Terry stressed his love for the defender, saying: “Alfie Gilchrist is a really good player, he has an unbelievable attitude, he’s been at the club since he was eight and he performs so well on a daily basis.”
With Trevor Chalobah and Wesley Fofana likely out till the end of the season, excited Chelsea fans are likely to see more of Gilchrist this season so he can show fans more of what he is about and exactly why John Terry rates him so highly, with fans even comparing the two in nature of footballing ability.
Chelsea veteran Thiago Silva could also be a serious loss for the club as retirement is near for the 39-year-old and he needs someone to fill his space. The Brazilian’s contract expires next summer but the defender is still unsure on whether he will sign another year. Moreover, Gilchrist will have plenty of opportunity to prove himself and maybe even fill the very large boots of legend Silva.
Chelsea face Middlesborough tonight in the cup and fans are hopeful of another Gilchrist cameo much like his display against Preston when the blues won 4-0. Terry also suggests a loan move would be brilliant for Gilchrist but with their extensive injury list he might be required to feature in plenty of games towards the end of this season.
