‘Love him’ – John Terry hails 18-year-old as ‘magnet in the box’ after making senior Chelsea debut

CHELSEA youngster Leo Castledine has received praise from club legend John Terry following his first team debut.

The 18-year-old midfielder was introduced as a substitute in the 85th minute as Mauricio Pochettino’s side cruised to a 6-1 win over Middlesbrough.

GettyLeo Castledine made his first team debut for Chelsea on Tuesday[/caption]

GettyJohn Terry has praised the teenager[/caption]

Castledine had been named on the bench three times prior to Tuesday night’s game after impressing for Chelsea‘s Under-21’s.

And Terry, one of the club’s academy coaches, has insisted that Blues fans will “love him”.

The ex-defender tweeted: “Congratulations Leo. Love him and so will the Chelsea fans, he is like a magnet in the box.”

Castledine joined Chelsea at the age of five and spent two years with the club’s academy before moving to Wimbledon.

He returned to the Blues in 2020 and signed his first professional deal in August 2022.

The midfielder has since made 47 appearances for Chelsea’s U18’s and 36 for the U21’s.

He also has a well-known family – which includes an actor, presenter and ex-footballer.

Leo’s dad is Stewart Castledine, 50, who spent nine years playing for Wimbledon.

Meanwhile, his mum Lucy Alexander is a presenter who used to host Homes Under The Hammer.

And his sister, Kitty, 21, made her EastEnders debut on New Year’s Day.