The rumours circulating in the past few days were that Chelsea had sent scouts to watch Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson play against Arsenal at the Emirates, but one didn’t have to be a professional scout to be impressed by the centre-back’s performance.
Gibson was a rock for Middlesbrough, keeping Arsenal’s free-scoring attackers at bay. He made two interceptions, 5 clearances and blocked a shot as Boro held on for an impressive and much needed point away from home.
The 23-year-old has a great mix of physical and mental gifts, and has plenty of time to develop into an even better player. It’s no surprise to see top clubs sniffing around the Boro youth product now he’s proving himself at the top level.
He could be the new Gary Cahill – a tall and dependable English centre-half who Chelsea can get from a team lower down the division. If he truly fulfills his potential, who knows: he could even be the long term John Terry replacement that Chelsea are so desperate to find.
