Chelsea captain Reece James stunned by talent of 16-year-old Reggie Walsh - 'F****** hell, I didn't realise how good he was'
By Rhys Jones
Updated 09/05/2025 at 08:57 GMT+1
React to this story
Chelsea's UEFA Conference League final spot was all but guaranteed before their second leg against Djurgardens, and now Enzo Maresca is one match from silverware in his first season. The Chelsea manager has used the tournament to blood a parade of talented youngsters, most recently 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, who impressed club captain Reece James enough to make him use some X-rated language.
Maresca 'very happy' for young boys at Chelsea as Walsh, 16, gets special mention
Video credit: TNT Sports
Reece James admitted he was surprised by how good 16-year-old Reggie Walsh was following the talented youngster's full debut in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Djurgardens in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.
Though Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's goal was the only score in a lacklustre second leg as The Blues reached the final, Walsh's feature was the big story as the midfielder played all 90 minutes, just a week after his senior debut in the first leg.
Walsh impressed at Stamford Bridge and did not shy away from getting stuck in against players twice his age, and he clearly left an impression on club captain James.
"I've seen him in training lots, James said. "But training and games are different and this is the first time I've seen him in a game. And I was like f****** hell. I didn't realise how good he actually was.
"It's great to help them. It's great to see so many academy lads coming through. I was once in Josh's [Acheampong] position, with a lot more older players in my team when I broke in. But they're amazing talents and that's why they're here, and I helped them where I can.
"We're definitely moving in the right direction, we're knocking on the door for Champions League next season, we're in and around it, the table's tight. I have no doubts. We had a big result against Liverpool and hopefully we can keep the momentum going and finish off the last three games strong."
- Manchester United v Athletic Club LIVE — Europa League result as Mason Mount's cameo propels Red Devils into the final
- UEFA Europa League: Mason Mount shares relief after star showing in semi-final - 'Knew something good was going to come'
While James is only 25 himself, he and the likes of Dewsbury-Hall serve as comparative veterans in Chelsea's squad.
Alongside Walsh, Enzo Maresca started teenagers Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George, with a further two teenagers, Shim Mheuka and Genesis Antwi coming off the bench.
Dewsbury-Hall echoed James' desire to try and guide the team's starlets, and was equally impressed by the composure that Walsh displayed.
"I'm just here to try and guide them," the goalscorer added. "We had Reggie playing today, who's 16 years old, that's mental.
"He was fantastic, composed. My job is just to say to them, 'Play the game that got you here. Don't make it too big of an occasion.' And you see that with the players that played, very calm, very composed. That's a credit to the academy."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/05/08/4122934-83596328-2560-1440.jpg)
Highlights: Chelsea finish job to reach Conference League final
Video credit: TNT Sports
Having given Walsh his full debut and further chances to other young players on Thursday, Maresca was pleased that his selections paid off and the academy products took their moment.
"How good is he?" the Italian said regarding Walsh. "You can see that he is a good player. He is the kind of player that we like, very good.
"For sure he is young and he has many things to do and to grow. Very happy for him, very happy for his family and he has to enjoy this moment.
"It's important for them, it's important for us, it's important for the rest. We have three more Premier League games before the final, we can be focused on that and then hopefully we can win the title."
He continued: "It's good overall, good performance with many young players. It is almost a second team. Very happy for the young boys and very happy to reach the final.
"We are in a good mood, a good run of results, but now we have another game in less than 72 hours, so we have to focus on that. [Newcastle] is a huge game. We have three more games and they are all important."
Chelsea have matched expectations by reaching the final, and now face Real Betis at Stadion Wroclaw in Poland on May 28 live on TNT Sports and discovery+ to conclude the tournament.
The Spanish side fought through the tougher of the two semi-finals as they beat Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate, drawing 2-2 in the second leg after extra time.
Watch the Premier League and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement