JOHN TERRY could have a future as a clairvoyant after past footage emerged of him successfully predicting Alfie Gilchrist’s rise to Chelsea stardom.
The 20-year-old Cobham product scored his first-ever Blues goal in last night’s 6-0 demolition of Everton.
Gilchrist, who signed a new contract this month, has impressed ever since his debut in December.
And the versatile defender, who hails from a Chelsea-supporting family, has already become a fan favourite.
Supporters chanted “one of our own” as Gilchrist passionately celebrated his late goal against the Toffees.
But the reaction will have been of little surprise to one Stamford Bridge legend.
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Former Blues and England captain Terry won five Premier League titles during an incredible 19 years at the club.
Chelsea have been crying out for a new Cobham defender to replicate Terry’s success ever since he left for Aston Villa in 2017.
The path is now aligned for Gilchrist to become a west London icon.
Yet Terry, who currently works as a youth coach at Chelsea, could see the prodigy’s potential before he had kicked a ball under Mauricio Pochettino.
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Speaking in December, just before Gilchrist’s debut against Crystal Palace, Terry told supporters at a Q&A that he was destined for greatness.
JT said: “He (Gilchrist) is a really really good player.
“He’s got an unbelievable attitude. He’s been at the club since the age of eight.
“He performs so well on a daily basis and does everything right, I think he’s got a good chance.
“I think Alfie’s next step is to go on loan next season but I’m expecting big things from Alfie, and to play a game or two as the season goes on.”
Chelsea’s 6-0 win over Everton saw them close the gap to the European spots.
A victory from their game in hand will put them into seventh, leapfrogging both Manchester United and West Ham in the process.
That match comes against Arsenal, with tough clashes against Aston Villa and Tottenham to follow.
But first, Chelsea must get past Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final showdown at Wembley.
John Terry’s career stats
Those numbers in full:
- Chelsea, 1998-2017: 717 games, 67 goals
- Nottingham Forest (loan), 1999-2000: 6 games, 0 goals
- Aston Villa, 2017-2018: 36 games, 1 goal
- England, 2003-2012: 78 games, 6 goals
- Trophies: Premier League x5, FA Cup x5, Carabao Cup x3, Community Shield x2, Europa League, Champions League (Chelsea)
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk