CFC Youth Players: Josh McEachran Opportunity Analysis

At the end of the transfer window I was encouraged to hear that Josh McEachran would not be going out on loan due to the wishes of Andre Villas Boas as it means we are likely to see more of him in the first team this season.

With the arrival of Raul Meireles and Oriol Romeu competition for places in midfield is fierce and those desperate to see the 18 year old in action will need patience in their quest to see him make his mark on the team.

Unfortunately some high profile fixtures and tight results mean that McEachran has found opportunities limited in the first few games of the season with just a Carling Cup start and Premier League substitute appearance to his name.

There is plenty to be positive about though with the Blues hoping to play over 60 games in a successful season, Andre Villas Boas will need to rotate his players regularly if we hope to challenge on all fronts, meaning that the young midfielder may have many opportunities to play.

Despite the competition for places I am happy with his progress at the moment, he seems to have become a permanent fixure on the bench in the league and a likely starter in the domestic cups. There are also possibilities of heavy involvement in the Champions League, particularly if we secure our place in the last 16 with a couple of games to play.

Watch this space on the boy McEachran