Exceptional talent:
Chelsea's Josh McEachran (right)
Josh McEachran is
aware of the glare which surrounds his rise through the Chelsea
ranks and the expectation that he will be the first homegrown
player to establish himself in the team since John
Terry.
Inspired by Zinedine Zidane,
the 18-year-old from Oxford has always caused a stir with his poise
and elegant passing.
Andre Villas-Boas believes he
has a true gem on his hands, a young midfielder capable of
making the sort of impact in the coming campaign that Jack Wilshere
had last season.
McEachran is 14 months younger
than the Arsenal starlet and the pair have developed a friendship,
with the Chelsea youngster looking to copy Wilshere's incredible
progress.
'We speak quite a lot and text
each other,' said McEachran. 'We say good luck before we play. I
watch most of his games, see how he's doing, and give him
encouragement. We've got similar abilities but Jack's a year or so
ahead of me.
'I'm happy with the progress
he's been making, going to Bolton, coming back to Arsenal and
playing for England.
'Jack's one of the best young
players in the world. He's done really well. Hopefully I can do
what he's done.'
The Zidane influence is
evident in McEachran's style.He always accepts the ball on the
half-turn, ready to pass immediately. He is beautifully
balanced on the ball and capable of a quick change of pace or
direction.
In fact, he offers
Chelsea something they lack in midfield, a genuine passer.
Maybe this it what encouraged Villas-Boas to embrace him in the
first-team squad rather than rush him out on loan. 'I just want to
get more minutes on the pitch this year,' said
McEachran.
'I'd love them to be at
Chelsea but that's not really up to me. It's up to the manager. If
he thinks I'm ready to play for Chelsea, I'll stay. If he thinks I
need to go out on loan, I'll do that.'
Incredible progress: Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere
During pre-season, Villas-Boas
has played the teenager both as a holding midfielder and in a more
advanced role, which McEachran admits he prefers.
'The deeper No 6 position is
very important and he touches the ball more in the position,' said
the Chelsea manager. 'He has the technical and tactical awareness
to play further forward, in the No 8 position. This flexibility is
important for any coach.'
It was former Chelsea boss
Luiz Felipe Scolari who plucked 15-year-old McEachran from the
youth ranks and brought him to train with the first
team.
Despite his slender frame he
excelled, making his debut in the Champions League last season and
starting his first Barclays Premier League game against
Newcastle in May.
Before flying off on Chelsea's
tour of Asia, McEachran signed a five-year contract worth £30,000 a
week, so it is clear the club think he is destined for the top.
'Josh is an exceptional talent,' said assistant manager Roberto di
Matteo, who once graced Chelsea's midfield.
'It's been a long time since
someone came through the academy as a potential first-team player.
He has a bright future, which is also good for
England.'