Chelsea’s defender Alfie Gilchrist has recently committed to a new long-term deal at Stamford Bridge. Despite receiving interest from other clubs during the summer, Chelsea decided to extend Gilchrist’s contract earlier this season.
This decision coincided with the 20-year-old defender starting to feature more prominently in the first team due to Reece James’ long-term absence.
Gilchrist made his debut as a substitute against Crystal Palace during the Christmas period and has since earned three starts and nine substitute appearances across various competitions.
Although Gilchrist is typically lower in the pecking order when all players are available, he has been utilized by Mauricio Pochettino, coming off the bench in the latter stages of the recent match against Burnley.
Gilchrist’s stay at the West Londoners has been extended, with a contract signed until 2026 and the option of an additional 12 months.
Chelsea fans quickly embraced Gilchrist after his crucial contribution in the closing seconds of his second match against Luton Town on December 29, which they won 3-2.
Since then, the versatile defender has been utilized in three more games, starting in the FA Cup against Preston North End, Aston Villa, and Leeds United.
However, it remains uncertain if he will secure a regular spot in Pochettino’s starting lineup, as he is more likely to serve as backup in the full-back positions.
Despite coming through the academy as a center-back, Gilchrist’s height of only 1.83m may be a disadvantage for him in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, injuries to James, Malo Gusto, Ben Chilwell, and Marc Cucurella have provided Gilchrist with opportunities to earn more playing time.