Suraj Radia
Josh Acheampong, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
© IMAGO
Chelsea continued their fine form in the Europa Conference League with a win in freezing conditions against Astana but one player’s performance proved red-hot to supporters.
Enzo Maresca fielded a young and much-rotated side in icy conditions in Kazakhstan, with the likes of Tyrique George, Marc Guiu and Samuel Rak-Sakyi all starting.
However, it was defender Josh Acheampong who impressed most, with the 18-year-old being given more first team opportunities after resolving his contractual issues with Chelsea.
The teenager featured at right-back for Chelsea and produced an all-round performance that left fans purring over another young talent coming through the Cobham academy.
Chelsea emerged 3-1 winners thanks to first half goals from Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga and an own goal from Aleksandr Marochkin.
The Blues now sit top of the Europa Conference League table with five wins from five, having scored 21 times and conceding just four goals.
Josh Acheampong is set to sign a new contract with Chelsea.
© IMAGO - Josh Acheampong is set to sign a new contract with Chelsea.
'This is why!': Chelsea supporters in awe of Acheampong
Acheampong is highly-rated at Chelsea but has hardly seen any game time after stalling over extending his contract, which expires in 2026.
However, the youngster is now thought to be close to signing a new deal which has seen the club look to give him more chances to fulfil his huge potential, and he did not disappoint against Astana.