Chelsea fans were quick to draw comparisons with John Terry after academy graduate Alfie Gilchrist made a full-blooded debut against Crystal Palace.
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Gilchrist makes debut as late substituteAll-action cameo draws Terry linkAcademy boss has high hopes for centre-backWHAT HAPPENED?
The 20-year-old was introduced as a substitute as Chelsea looked to close out the game after taking a late lead from Noni Madueke's penalty. And the youngster made an impression in a whole-hearted cameo which featured a spectacular double tackle – which won the approval of Blues fans and sparked the inevitable parallels with his academy boss Terry.
AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPGetty ImagesWHAT TERRY SAID ABOUT GILCHRIST
Asked at a recent fan event about who would be the next Chelsea academy player to make an impact, Terry was unequivocal: "Alfie Gilchrist is a really really good player. He's got an unbelievable attitude. He's been at the club since the age of eight. He performs so well on a daily basis and I think he's got a good chance.
"I think Alfie's next step is to go out on loan next season and then ypu see how he does but I'm expecting big things from Alfie."
WHAT NEXT FOR GILCHRIST AND CHELSEA?
The busy festive schedule may give Glichrist some further opportunities in the first-team squad. He'll be hoping to make the team-sheet again when the Blues travel to Kenilworth Road on Saturday to take on Luton Town.