John Chetauya stands out as one of the brighter early-season surprises for Elche CF as the championship kicks off. The youth squad had already begun contributing last season, even after the team had secured safety, and it appeared he would start this campaign as a sixth defender. Even in the summer, the option to loan him out was on the table, highlighting the club’s cautious approach with young talent.
Francisco continues to trust the 21-year-old, who hails from Murcia and represents a Nigerian family background, recognizing the potential he brings to the squad.
In the first game against Betis, the manager deployed a defense trio including John alongside Enzo Roco and Pedro Bigas, while Diego González started on the bench. The debut came with pressure: after correcting a mistake by Roco in the 13th minute, Aitor was shown a red card in a tackle on Ruibal, a sending-off that threatened to disrupt his minutes share early on.
Despite that setback, the youngster did not bow out. He absorbed a disciplinary sanction against Almería and proved in practice that he can perform at a higher level. He emerged as one of the more reliable options for Francisco when given minutes, reinforcing the belief in his readiness for tougher challenges.
Roco and Bigas formed the central axis of the defense in matches against Almería, Real Sociedad, Villarreal, and Athletic Club de Bilbao. After a difficult first half against the Basques, Francisco did not hesitate to rely on the junior squad again at halftime. John entered the field, performed well, and Elche did not concede any more goals after the early four they faced, underscoring his impact in tightening the back line.
Last Saturday, in a stadium as demanding as Camp Nou, the coach again trusted the young defender and set him in a three-man line that included Gonzalo Verdú and Pedro Bigas. Before the first quarter of the match, Elche had already lost a captain to dismissal, forcing the team to defend with one less man. John faced the daunting task of marking Lewandowski and Barcelona’s all-star attacking lineup, yet he stood up to the pressure and completed the match at a solid level.
The young footballer again demonstrated his readiness to help Elche during this challenging period, preserving his level throughout the game. He remains intent on securing a regular place in the starting XI as the season progresses, especially with the next match set for Vallecas against Rayo, where a strong performance could cement his role on the defense.
Gonzalo Verdú may be required to serve a penalty after his sending off at Camp Nou, and Pedro Bigas continues to be evaluated due to a micro-tear that forced him off in the 74th minute. Argentina’s Fede Fernández has yet to debut, while Enzo Roco’s return to peak form may take time given the early-season missteps. Diego González continues to be a trusted option, but John Chetauya currently sits atop Francisco’s centre-back list as the plan to strengthen the defense unfolds with Bigas’ recovery in view.
The team recognizes the remaining time for the season’s early battles. Yet the promising Franciverde talent holds every chance to stay in the starting lineup at Vallecas against Rayo. If he does, it will be through merit, not expectation, as the young cohort has already logged 148 minutes of competitive action with impressive performances.