Teenage ace is Josh the job for Blues

24 November 2010 10:00
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hailed the performance of teenage midfielder Josh McEachran as the Blues clinched top spot in Group F of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over MSK Zilina. The English champions had to come from behind to beat the Slovakian minnows after Babatounde Bello had shocked Stamford Bridge with a 19th-minute opener. Second-half goals from Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda lifted the gloom, and in 17-year-old McEachran the Blues have unearthed a real star in the making. McEachran, playing in the holding role instead of the injured John Mikel Obi, produced a superb performance with a maturity that belied his years. His passing, both long and short, was accurate, unhurried and effortless and above all he had the composure and time to pick his targets. It was a demonstration that the Chelsea academy has nurtured a real gem and the youngster is now certain to become a regular member of the first-team squad. "I think Josh McEachran can play every game," said Ancelotti. "He showed his quality. He was good defensively, won a lot of tackles. And, obviously, with the ball he's fantastic. He can play it short or long without problem. He played with personality and I'm happy with his performance. He has to grow, he has to improve, but he's ready to play."

Source: PA