Local media reacts to Alfie Gilchrist’s debut performance for Sheffield United in the Championship

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Chelsea are usually the biggest winners every season when it comes to successfully using the loan system.

The Blues have been benefiting for years from loaning out their best youngsters to clubs all over the world. For instance, Omari Hutchinson and Ian Maatsen both thrived out on loan last season, which has led to big transfer sales this summer.

There’s a new batch of emerging talents that have already moved for the new 2024/25 season, including Alfie Gilchrist. The young defender, who was with the Chelsea first-team squad last term, has dropped down to the Championship with Sheffield United for a season-long loan.

It was claimed by The Athletic that Cesc Fabregas’ Como wanted to sign Gilchrist this summer, but he’s now playing in England’s second division during his first ever loan spell.

• READ MORE: Alfie Gilchrist posted a five-word message after joining Sheffield United on loan from Chelsea

Local media hails Alfie Gilchrist debut

Chelsea loanee Gilchrist, who’s aged 20, only completed a move to Bramall Lane on Wednesday. However, he was thrown straight into the starting line-up on Friday night for a Sheffield United debut in their opening Championship fixture.

The Blades kickstarted their new season with an impressive 2-0 away win at Preston yesterday as they look to secure promotion at the first attempt.

Local media reacted very positively to the debut performance from Gilchrist on Friday.

Sheffield Star wrote: “Alfie Gilchrist – 7/10. Thrown straight into the United side for his debut at right-back after signing earlier this week and impressed at both ends of the field, getting forward and putting in a dangerous cross for [Kieffer] Moore and doing everything asked of him defensively as well when Preston dared to actually have a go at United. Made way for [Femi] Seriki after a very composed debut.”

Alfie Gilchrist will be a favourite at Sheffield United

Gilchrist never looked out of place when thrown into Chelsea’s senior environment last season, playing 17 first-team matches across all competitions. Therefore, it should be no surprise if the 20-year-old goes to Sheffield and makes a fantastic impact from day one.

It was really encouraging to see him thrown straight into the team for Sheffield United versus Preston. He started at right-back and put in a very assured performance for 72 minutes before coming off.

His versatility means he’s happy playing right-back or centre-back, so let’s see as the campaign develops where he’s preferred by Chris Wilder.

Journalist Simon Phillips reported via Substack in May that Gilchrist has a huge desire to make it as a Chelsea player. Let’s hope this year at Sheffield United is a crucial part of his development and career.