Chelsea fans will love club legend's message to latest academy star following first team debut

18-year-old Leo Castledine made his Chelsea debut last night, as the Blues destroyed a lacklustre Middlesbrough outfit by a score of 6-1 - and his emergence was noticed by none other than John Terry.

The former Chelsea captain took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his adulation for Castledine, saying that he 'loves' him and 'so will the Chelsea fans'. Additionally, he also described him as being 'like a magnet in the box'.

Castledine, prior to his senior team debut yesterday evening, has been one of the most impressive players in Chelsea's U21s team. So far this season, he has scored four goals in the Premier League 2, alongside six assists.

Terry is one of the most beloved Chelsea players in the club's history. He spent 19 years with the club, winning five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, a Champions League trophy and a Europa League trophy. As such, it is a massive deal for Castledine to receive a glowing endorsement from Terry at this fledgling stage in his career.

Could Leo Castledine be a starter for Chelsea in the near future?

While Castledine's talents are evident to anyone who has seen him play, breaking into Chelsea's first team at present is no mean feat. An attacking central midfielder by trade, he will need to compete with the likes of Cole Palmer, Carney Chukwuemeka and club captain Conor Gallagher if he wants a regular place in the starting XI.

It is important to remember that he is only 18. Central midfielders, generally, do not reach their peak until around the age of 28 - meaning he still has around a decade to realise his true potential. He is currently under contract with the Blues until the summer of 2027 - he signed this long-term deal back in December.