This week Chelsea fans have been presented with the news that midfielder Michael Essien is likely to miss much of the forthcoming season. The Ghanaian suffered a ruptured knee ligament in the clubs first pre-season training session and it is believed that he could be sidelined for as long as eight months. As any Blues fan will tell you, Essien has established himself as a key part of the side over the last few seasons and the injury presents new manager Andre-Villas Boas with the hard task of replacing him.
There has been much speculation as to how the former Porto man should deal with the situation and the likes of Scott Parker, Joao Moutinho and Luka Modric have all been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, suggesting the club are keen to bring in a new face. However, is this the definitely the right approach?
When asked about Essien’s injury in an interview for Sky Sports News last night, former assistant manager Ray Wilkins suggested that the best natural replacement may already be at the club in the shape of youngster Joshua McEachran. The 18-year-old has already developed somewhat of a fan-base during his short spell in the first team and although he is not yet of the same mould as the Ghanaian, the prospect of more potential first team experience could no doubt prove beneficial for the Young Player of the Year.
In his few appearances for the side last year, McEachran demonstrated a sense of maturity and discipline that is often uncommon in players of his age and he rarely looked out of his depth when brushing shoulders with some of the leagues finest. You only have to look as far as Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere to see what Premier League experience can do to a young player of exceptional talent and it is arguably a situation in which McEachran could thrive in.
Many Chelsea fans will know that the club boast some great young talent and whilst it is not to say that McEachran should be thrown in at the deep end, he would definitely benefit from more first team action. Few doubted the ability of Daniel Sturridge, yet it took Premier League first team action at Bolton for some to realise just how talented he is.
I do not believe that McEachran should become an instant regular in the team by any means, but there is sometimes too much of a ‘buy now, think later’ mentality surrounding the club these days and I’m sure all Blues fans would enjoy the chance to see some more home-grown talent in the side. Essien’s injury presents McEachran would the opportunity to prove all the hype surrounding him is true, should he be given the chance to shine.
I think he is such a great and fantastic player who will show much more maturity to the club when given much play time to demonstrate more on the field. But yet still, we can still go in for Luka Modric Moutinho.
Please also allow some snr players such as Anelka, Ferrraira, Bosingwa and others o leave the club for new entries
It is true that MCEACHRAN should be given the chance to prove himself worth on the pitch. As a young talented player
YEAH TRUE BUT HAVING PLAYER LIKE MONTOLIVO WILL HELP
God bless you Ray…Introducing Josh would be great..We as a fans loves him and knows he’s capable of being the best in Europe in 2 seasons..Please give him a chance Villa, Di Matt.
I agree, if we allow for a few senior players to leave then we should still bring in another player with more experience, I’m not saying he should be a starter but I think given more time and experience he could be a success in the same way Wilshere has for Arsenal.
I totally agree that Josh should be given a chance. Also, I have been thinking, Yossi Benayoun and Josh could be possible make up for Essien.
I rate Yossi highly, he should be given more game time. His goal yesterday was incredible.