Chelsea fans’ “surreal” reaction to academy player’s injury and how it made him feel | OneFootball

Alfie Gilchrist has been one of the bright spots for Chelsea fans this season. The deeper the injury crisis got, the more chances he got, and we can all enjoy a passionate academy lad getting stuck in for his team.

Last night he got his first home start and certainly made the most of it. He was up against Heung-Min Son, but kept Spurs’ star player at bay.

He got crazy appreciation all game, especially when he wellied a clearance ball into the stands. But the best moment must have been when he was subbed off after picking up a mild injury (or just cramp) in the 84th minute. The applause came to a crescendo, and speaking to Chelsea TV after the game, Gilchrist said:

“Every time I hear them singing my name it just feels surreal. I just feel happy, happy to be out there with all the boys.

“As a player, as a fan… we just want to make sure we win like today,” the 20 year old added.

He’s still shy in these interviews, but he’s certainly not when he’s out on the pitch. There’s nobody putting their body on the line like he is.

You can see the defender speaking in the clip embedded here:

Another chance this weekend?

West Ham is coming up fast – it’s Friday now (in case you were wondering) and that game is an afternoon kick off on Sunday. Malo Gusto doesn’t seem to be out with anything too serious, and in fact he was expected to be back for last night’s game, but if he can’t get up to speed in time we know we’ve got Alfie raring to go.

Of course he doesn’t offer the same attacking threat or polish as Gusto, but in terms of passion and desire, there’s nobody putting in more than young Gilchrist.