Louie Annesley is a young centre-back who plays for Blackburn Rovers U-23 and has represented Gibraltar on the international stage on multiple occasions.

The 20-year old defender, who stands at 6ft 4in, has achieved a lot in a young career already and is considered the future of Gibraltar football, having also represented the National Team at every youth level.

Louie has spent time at Chelsea, AFC Wimbledon, Barnet and non-league side Cobham.

He had a great spell at Gibraltar Premier Division side Lincoln Red Imps before making the switch to Blackburn Rovers in January 2019.

Here, Louie talks about playing for Gibraltar at a young age, his idols in the footballing world and facing the incredible Christian Eriksen among other things.

How did it feel to play for the Gibraltar national team at such a young age, what do you think the future holds for Gibraltar football?

“It was an amazing feeling and one that I’ll never forget, making my debut at such a young age and grabbing the win made it even more special.
The road ahead for Gibraltar football is looking positive and we hope to win games in the coming fixtures. “

Growing up, who was been your role model in the footballing world?

“Growing up I always looked up towards other centre backs such as John Terry, Rio Ferdinand. Both top centre-backs who could defend and play very well with the ball at their feet.”

What was your first reaction when Blackburn Rovers approached you and how did it feel?

“For me, it was probably more of a shock more than anything when I first heard that an offer from such a big club came in, then when I was there, I just played my natural game and I’m happy where I’m at now and hope to continue to give my best for the team.”

You made your debut for your previous club Lincoln Red Imps in the UEFA Europa League game against The New Saints in 2018, how did it feel to play in such a prestigious competition at such a young age?

“That was another good experience that I had, to come on at a young age in a big competition like that was very good for me.
This is just the start and it was really good to have a taste of it.”

You won the first silverware of your Blackburn Rovers career by beating local rivals Burnley in the Lancashire senior cup, how did it feel to win that trophy?

“It was a nice feeling to win some silverware early on especially against your local rivals.
These are the memories that you always cherish.”

Being a young centre-back, you would have come against some really good attackers, especially at international level, are there any particular opponents who come to mind against whom you had a hard time?

“I have come up against some really good players so far but I’d say the best player that I’ve had to mark is Christian Eriksen, while playing for Gibraltar against Denmark.
A very smart footballer and a great technician.”

Article by: Vibudh Dixit

Thumbnail by: Samuel Slaney

Images interpreted from: Getty Images, Blackburn Rovers & Neil Wilson Photography

Six Questions: Louie Annesley of Blackburn Rovers