FA Cup winner’s son impresses during Chelsea’s pre-season tour as he eyes breakthrough year

A CHELSEA whippersnapper with football in his DNA has been making a big impression in pre-season. At 16 years old he was the only player to get a full 90 minutes in the bonkers 6-4 friendly win over Western Sydney Wanderers that kicked off Xabi Alonso‘s reign last Tuesday. Reggie Watson played the full 90 minutes against Western Sydney Wanderers Credit: Getty He then got a few more minutes off the bench against Tottenham Credit: Getty And the midfielder was rewarded with a few more minutes off the bench in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham. Those two friendlies were many fans’ introduction to Reggie Watson – talented son of Ben Watson, who scored a famous FA Cup winner for Wigan against Manchester City in 2013. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! And plenty will now be tracking the youngster’s progress off the back of his promising performances in Australia. Watson told Chelsea‘s official website: “I didn’t know I was going to play 90 minutes against Western Sydney Wanderers but it was an incredible experience. “I’ve spoken to a lot of the boys in the squad, especially the English players like Tosin [Adarabioyo], Cole [Palmer] and Liam Delap. They’ve been really helpful and given me advice. “And, of course, the manager has been brilliant. “I’ve watched Xabi Alonso clips on YouTube growing up; now I’m getting passes from him in training. “He is still an unbelievable player and he understands my position so well. I have already learned a lot from him and it will make me a better player.” Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Ben Watson (left) won the FA Cup for Wigan in 2013 Credit: PA Watson was born in 2010, the year after dad Ben, 41, ditched Crystal Palace for Premier League Wigan. He scored 20 goals in 133 games for the Latics and went on to play for QPR, West Brom, Watford, Nottingham Forest and Charlton before retiring in 2022. And that football knowhow has been invaluable to up-and-comer Reggie. He added: “We would be kicking the ball around in the garden all the time when I was growing up. The Chelsea Blueprint on YouTube Calling all Chelsea fans - we have a brand new YouTube channel! “It was always fun, never too serious. Except when it was two-touch – then it was competitive! I think I’ve only now just got the edge on him, to be honest. “He watches every game I play and is always trying to help, but he never pushes me too hard so that it’s uncomfortable. I’ve always appreciated that.” Reggie was learning the ropes at his dad’s former team, Palace, until Chelsea snapped him up last year. A central midfielder like his old man, the top prospect also plays for England‘s Under-16s. Comment now