Enzo Maresca will be delighted at the manner his Chelsea side were able to make it five wins out of five in the Conference League this season.
The Blues beat Astana 3-1 thanks to goals from Marc Guiu and a header from Renato Veiga put them out of sight early.
Very few first team stars made the long trip to Kazakhstan to feature in freezing conditions, although Pedro Neto still looked a cut above the rest.
A number of youngsters were given the chance to feature, and as many as seven academy players were given the chance to impress.
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea shoots whilst under pressure from Kipras Kazukolovas of Astana during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Josh Acheampong stars in Chelsea Conference League win
One of the notable names who started was Josh Acheampong, who now seems to have returned to Chelsea duties after a period of being frozen out.
It has been reported Acheampong is closing in on a new contract with the club, with Maresca a big fan of his.
He started this evening at right-back, although quickly saw himself featuring on the right of a back three with Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Acheampong proves he suits Enzo Maresca’s style
The 18-year-old looked a complete natural in that position, and it is one role that has been commonly seen under Maresca.
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Usually it is Marc Cucurella who has been joining the centre-backs, however when Reece James was fit he was frequently seen in that position instead.
A driving run that created a goalscoring opportunity for himself in the first half was certainly a sign that he can be a force going forwards too, however an assured performance at the back proved exactly why Chelsea were so keen to keep him.
The fact he signed a new deal was a sign that the ownership at Chelsea are heading in the right direction too, with it being realistic he would have been out the door a couple of years ago.
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