John Terry prediction comes true after unexpected Chelsea moment and Mauricio Pochettino decision
John Terry was proven right in his prediction that Alfie Gilchrist would be the next Chelsea academy starlet into the first team as the young defender made his first team debut against Crystal Palace. Gilchrist was a late introduction into the game, coming on moments after Noni Madueke's penalty put Chelsea 2-1 up at Stamford Bridge.
Having been at the club since his formative years, Gilchrist has made the step into being firmly included in first team activities this year and was included in the pre-season tour of America under Mauricio Pochettino in the summer. He only signed a new long-term deal earlier this year that keeps him at the club until 2025 but the 20-year-old, who celebrated his birthday last month, wasn't used in USA yet has remained part of senior training for much of the season.
Be it due to injury issues, suspensions or as a reward for yet more strong performances at youth level, Gilchrist has now regularly been seen on the bench for the first team this season. He has been involved in the matchday squad on eight occasions now in the league, finally getting a chance to make his debut on Wednesday.
In typical Gilchrist fashion, and with all of the passion of a player that loves the club — he is from a family of Blues followers too — he made good use of his chance. Racing onto the pitch in place of Benoit Badiashile during injury time Gilchrist charged down Jeffrey Schlupp in a 50-50 tackle and then went head first into an attempted block of the subsequent clearance.
It was roared on by the fired-up crowd and to many had shades of Terry himself. With short brown hair and a strong aggression to him, many drew the comparison between a baby-faced Terry when he came onto the pitch for his own Chelsea debut. It's
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