Media impressed by 19-year-old Chelsea loanee’s display last night, the attacker played left-back

Harvey Vale, a Chelsea prospect, garnered acclaim in the media yesterday night for his performance for Bristol Rovers.

Harvey Vale, 19, is a talented youngster who came through the Blues academy and is currently on a season-long loan with Bristol Rovers.

The left-footed forward has made a few League One substitute appearances, but he began a Football League Trophy match on Tuesday evening.

The Chelsea-owned youth impressed in Bristol Rovers’ 4-1 home win over Cheltenham Town.

Surprisingly, the playmaker was assigned to a back four as a left back.

Chelsea’s rising star has received a lot of attention in the local media for his individual performance this week, which could push him closer to more league minutes.

“Harvey Vale – 7/10,” wrote the Bristol Post. It was surprising to see the offensive midfielder playing at left-back, but he performed admirably in a difficult area. Solid defensively, but always eager to move forward and contribute down the left wing, where he was unlucky not to pick up an assist.

“He had the opportunity to play in a more familiar right-midfield role in the final quarter of the match, and completing 90 minutes will be massive for his progression as he looks to fight for a regular starting place in the league.”

Vale’s brief loan spell at Hull City last year did not go well, but the decision to transfer to Bristol this season already appears to be a far better fit.

Our hope is that it will only be a matter of time before the England Under-20 international starts regularly for Bristol Rovers.

The youngster’s adaptability will be extremely beneficial when he returns to Chelsea next summer. For the time being, he can concentrate on his growth and football at Bristol Rovers.