“One of the most exciting talents I’ve ever seen in Irish football, north or south,” Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin told BBC Sport NI after the move was confirmed.
“It’s how effortless he is running with the ball and past players, and I’m not talking about players in his own age group, I’m talking about senior players playing full-time football in the Irish League.
“He’s gliding past them and terrorising defences on his own at 16 years of age. I’ve never seen it before.
“The only other player I could compare him to, and I don’t want to put too much pressure on the young lad, but he’s like [former Northern Ireland international] Paddy McCourt at Derry City before he got his move to Celtic.”
McLaughlin, who has coached Atherton since taking over at Mourneview Park in November 2024, appreciates how difficult it will be the make the grade at Chelsea but feels Atherton has “all the attributes” to succeed.
“He’s got the temperament and he’s got the attitude to go to the top. He just needs time because he’s got the tools,” he added.
“He’s going to one of the top sides not just in England but in Europe, so I’m sure he’ll be well looked after.
“We met the people from Chelsea earlier in the season, they requested to meet us, and they really think highly of him as well, they’ve a lot of hope for Chris.
“It’s all pointing in the right direction but Chris knows there’s a long way to go and a lot of hard work, there’s a lot of learning and development, but there’s no better man for it. He’s a class act.”
