CHELSEA new-boy Leo Castledine, 14, has compared himself to Mason Mount and Jack Grealish after completing his transfer from Wimbledon.
Castledine – son of former Homes Under the Hammer host Lucy Alexander – competed his move to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Chelsea new-boy Leo Castledine reckons he’s a mix of Jack Grealish and Mason Mount
The midfielder is the son of former Homes Under The Hammer presenter Lucy AlexanderCredit: Instagram
And fans can expect big things after the defender-turned-midfielder compared himself to Blues hero Mount.
Leo has a footballing background – his dad is former Wimbledon forward Stewart Castledine who played for the Dons between 1991 and 2000.
The teenager started off his career in the Wimbledon youth ranks at the age of seven, playing as a “tough-tackling centre-back”.
But coaches spotted his potential immediately and thrust him into a more advanced role – either in the heart of midfield or as a No10, much like Mount.
On the transition Leo told BBC Sport: “Moving from defence to midfield was a very gradual process for me… It took about two seasons.
“I was a tough-tackling centre-back at the start of my Under-13 season.
“Now, towards the end of U15 season, I am a centre midfielder and sometimes play as a No10.”
Castledine claimed he plays a lot like Mount, but with a little extra flair.
He continued: “I dribble and create chances just like Grealish.”
Leo summarised his style of play as “an all-action goal-scoring midfielder who drives well with the ball”.
And with new boss Frank Lampard handing more and more chances to youngsters, it might not be all that long until we see Castledine in Chelsea’s senior set-up.
After all, Mount is just one in a long line of stars to make the step up this season.
Tammy Abraham has thrived having finally been given a chance, while Billy Gilmour has been sensational in limited chances this season.
Ian Maatsen, Marc Guehi, Armando Broja, Tino Anjorin and Tariq Lamptey were all handed their first-team debuts as teenagers this season.
Then there’s Reece James, still only 20, who’s quickly established himself as Chelsea’s No1 right-back.
On top of that, just this week, Chelsea completed the signing of sought-after 16-year-old Jimi Tauriainen as the youth revolution rages on.
Leo Castledine joined Wimbledon aged seven, as a defenderCredit: Twitter
Leo’s dad Stewart played for Wimbledon from 1991 until 2000Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Castledine announced his big move on Instagram as he shared a photograph of himself signing the Chelsea contract.
Alongside the image, he wrote: “Very excited to say that I have signed for @chelseafc today.
“My time at @afc_wimbledon was amazing and I can’t thank them enough, however, it’s time for a new chapter. #cfc #chelseafc.”
Wimbledon academy chief Michael Hamilton described himself as “disappointed” to lose their star pupil but wished him “every success” at the Blues.
Here’s why Chelsea have signed 16 year old Jimi Tauriainen
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
