John Terry congratulates Chelsea youngster Leo Castledine for making his debut vs Middlesbrough… as the 18-year-old follows in the footsteps of his father, who was once a Premier League footballer
- John Terry has congratulated Chelsea youngster Leo Castledine on his debut
- Castledine came on in the 85th minute of their 6-1 win against Middlesbrough
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John Terry has congratulated Chelsea youngster Leo Castledine on his debut during the Blues’ 6-1 win over Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.
The midfielder replaced Raheem Sterling in the 85th minute and earned his first appearance for the club at the age of 18.
The Blues completed a sensational turnaround after being beaten 1-0 by Middlesbrough in the previous leg.
Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Axel Disasi and Noni Madueke all got on the scoresheet to help Chelsea book their place in the League Cup final.
An unused substitute in several of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season, Castledine has been a key face in the Premier League 2 side this season.
Leo Castledine made his debut for Chelsea during the 6-1 win against Middlesbrough on Tuesday
The midfielder came on in the 85th minute as a replacement for winger Raheem Sterling
He was praised on X (formerly Twitter) by Chelsea academy adviser John Terry
After spending the early parts of his career at AFC Wimbledon, he arrived at Chelsea in 2020 and would progress through their youth academy system.
Terry, who has been working in the role of academy advisor at the club since last summer, turned to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Castledine.
He wrote: ‘Congratulations Leo. I love him and so do the Chelsea fans, he is like a magnet in the box.”
Earlier this week, Terry received the Player Career Award at the Globe Soccer Awards.
Castledine has made 36 appearances for Chelsea Under-21s, scoring eight goals and seven assists in all competitions.
He also represented England up to U19 level, having previously won three caps and scored a goal for the Three Lions.
Leo is the son of former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Stewart Castledine, who was on the books of the south London club from 1991 to 2000.
Castledine played 26 Premier League games for Wimbledon, scoring four goals
His mother is former Homes Under the Hammer presenter Lucy Alexander, while his sister Kitty is an actress and currently plays Penny Branning in EastEnders
Leo, meanwhile, arrived at Chelsea after starting his career at AFC Wimbledon and has also won three England caps
But it seems football runs through his veins as the 18-year-old is the son of former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Stewart Castledine.
Stewart began his career playing for age-level Wimbledon in 1991.
The 51-year-old was promoted to the first team and would go on to make 26 Premier League appearances for South London, scoring four goals.
Leo’s mother is television presenter Lucy Alexander, 53, who previously presented Homes Under the Hammer.
He also has an older sister, Kitty, 21, who currently plays Penny Branning in EastEnders and made her debut on the show on New Year’s Day.