McEachran aiming to win Chelsea place
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McEachran aiming to copy his pal Wilshere and win Chelsea place
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.'