JAKE CLARKE-SALTER was tipped by Chelsea legend John Terry to replace him at Stamford Bridge.
And he even went on to win a World Cup for the England Under-20s back in 2017 alongside the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
But while his centre-back partner in that tournament, and ex-Blues team-mate, Tomori has gone on to play Champions League football for AC Milan, Clarke-Salter is battling at the bottom of the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.
The defender recently signed a new four-year deal at Loftus Road and hopes his team can win only their second game of the season when fellow early strugglers Portsmouth comes visiting on Saturday.
Clarke-Salter, 27, only had 16 minutes of Premier League action in six years as a pro at Chelsea — coming on as a sub for Pedro in 2016 against Aston Villa.
Terry was so impressed, he said at the time: “Jake reminds me of myself.
Read More on Football
“He’s doing great and I hope he goes on to take my position in the team.”
Clearly that did not work out. Clarke-Salter did the hard yards in the EFL on loan with Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse in the Netherlands, Notts County, Birmingham and then Coventry.
But he ended up leaving two years ago to sign for the Rs.
The centre-half said: “You can say I didn’t live up to what people thought.
Most read in Football
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“That’s something I’ve had to reflect on over the years.
“I’m happy now at QPR because I’ve found my home again. I enjoy my football, which is the main thing.”
Clarke-Salter believes going out on too many loans was what ultimately hindered his progress.
And asked what advice he would give to any youngster in a similar position at a top Premier League side, he said: “In all honesty, be patient.
“I had an opportunity to stay around the Chelsea first team and train every day and learn a bit more — but I just wanted to play games.
“So I went out at a young age, at 18 to 19, and then ended up breaking and dislocating my elbow while at Bristol Rovers.
“At Chelsea, I was training with some of the world’s best players, people like Eden Hazard, JT and Cesc Fabregas.
“So I should’ve shown more patience rather than try to rush off.
Looking back at Chelsea stint
“Everyone has a different path. I should’ve stuck around, rather than play somewhere else as quickly as possible.
“It was never like I thought I deserved to start. I had JT, Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger all ahead of me.
“You should be spending time learning from them and not taking that kind of experience for granted.”
Yet Clarke-Salter did have the privilege of playing with a then 16-year-old Jude Bellingham at Birmingham.
And he admitted: “Everyone knew from day one that he was going to be a world beater because of his mentality.
“We could see all the talent he had but his willingness to work, as a 16-year-old, I’ve never seen anyone that age do that.
QPR hopes
“Every day in training, he’d put his foot in and tell people who weren’t doing it right to get on it. It’s no surprise he’s one of the best players in the world.”
Boss Marti Cifuentes performed a near miracle keeping QPR in the Championship last season after inheriting a side that looked dead certs to go down.
And there were high hopes in West London that the team would progress this season and push up the table.
But, so far, they have only beaten Luton Town and are yet to win at home.
Yet despite this, Clarke-Salter firmly believes the Spanish coach is the right man to take QPR to the next level — which is why he committed to a new long-term contract.
The defender explained: “The new manager has been massive for the club and myself.
Happy at QPR
“I suit the style he wants to play. Hopefully there’s a good future here.
“We’ve got a lot of new players and a new way of playing — so it’s just about gelling now.
“Everyone is trying to implement the gaffer’s ideas. It’s a long season.
“What I like about the gaffer is his ideas and the way he sees football — his philosphy, his calming presence, the way he speaks to the players.
“He has a good understanding and is a great man-manager.”
Newly-promoted Pompey are one spot and two points behind 22nd-placed QPR in the table — and are the only side in the Championship yet to win a game.
But Clarke-Salter said: “The table is so tight right now. One win can just shoot you up the table.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“We’ve got great players in this squad and now it’s just about getting that consistency.”
CopyBet is official betting partner of Queens Park Rangers. Visit CopyBet.com
Who are these famous footballers?
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
