Media impressed by 19-year-old Chelsea loanee’s display last night, the attacker played left-back

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Chelsea youngster Harvey Vale received praise in the media last night after his performance for Bristol Rovers.

Harvey Vale, who’s just 19, is a talented youngster to come through the Blues academy and he’s spending this year on a season-long loan with Bristol Rovers.

The left-footed attacker has had a few appearances from the bench in League One games, but he started a Football League Trophy fixture on Tuesday evening.

The Chelsea-owned teenager played 90 minutes and impressed in a 4-1 home win for Bristol Rovers over Cheltenham.

Surprisingly, the playmaker was deployed as a left-back in a back four.

Chelsea’s upcoming talent has earned big praise in local media for his individual display this week, which will hopefully push him closer to more league minutes.

Bristol Post wrote: “Harvey Vale – 7/10. It was a surprise to see the attacking midfielder playing at left-back but he did excellently in an uncomfortable role. Solid defensively but always keen to get forward and contribute down the left flank and was unlucky not to get an assist.

“He had the opportunity to play in a more familiar right-midfield role in the final quarter of the match and completing 90 minutes will be massive for his progression as he looks to fight for a regular starting place in the league.”

Vale’s brief stint on loan with Hull City last year didn’t bring much success, but this season’s decision to make the move to Bristol already sounds like a loads better fit.

Our hope is it’s only a matter of time before the England Under-20 international is getting consistent starts for Bristol Rovers.

The youngster’s versatility is going to go a long way to helping his chances when he returns to Chelsea next summer. For now, he can focus on his development and football at Bristol Rovers.