Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino seems to be a big fan of Alfie Gilchrist.
Mauricio Pochettino gave Alfie Gilchrist his senior debut in Chelsea‘s 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at the end of last year.
Since then, he has continued to use the defender and started him in the Blues’ 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday. After the game, Pochettino told the Evening Standard and the rest of the English media that the team needs academy players such as Gilchrist.
The 20-year-old was drafted into the side for the Villa game after Levi Colwill picked up an injury in the warm up.
Pochettino was really happy with how he came into the team and performed during the stalemate.
Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea need players like Alfie Gilchrist
Pochettino feels it is important to have players such as Gilchrist, who understands the club after coming through the academy, in the squad.
“For me, it is always important, if you see my career as a coach at Espanyol, Tottenham and Paris or now,” the Argentine said.
“It is really important for the identity of the club. It’s so important because this guy really feels the shirt and badge. It’s always a mix but having some guys is important for the club’s identity.”
Mauricio Pochettino putting trust in Chelsea’s academy graduates
It is quite clear that Pochettino does value the Chelsea academy graduates in his squad.
As well as giving Gilchrist his debut, he has also made Reece James captain and allowed Conor Gallagher and Colwill to captain the team in James’ absence. The trio all rose through the ranks at Cobham.
It is something Chelsea supporters will be happy about and one reason why some may be willing to show the former Tottenham boss some patience amid the Blues’ struggles this season.
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