Enzo Maresca has utilised the Conference League perfectly this season by heavily rotating his Chelsea side.
The changes has not had an impact on their performances and results so far. They sit top of the table and remain the only side to boast a 100% record in the competition.
Maresca and his players have had to battle the elements as well as their opponents at times this season. The game against Astana saw them travel to the other side of the continent to play in temperatures around -10 degrees.
The boss took no chances with first team players for that game. Only Pedro Neto from the regular side starred, and that was likely because he was suspended for the following Premier League game.
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea signs a new contract at Chelsea Training Ground on December 18, 2024 in Cobham, England.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chance for Josh Acheampong to prove Enzo Maresca is right to back him
Instead, a number of youngsters featured, and there was a first Chelsea start for Josh Acheampong in the defence.
The youngster had been frozen out of proceedings at Stamford Bridge after refusing to sign a new contract, however that situation has now been resolved and he has committed his future to the club.
It has been reported that Maresca played a key role in convincing Acheampong to stay, and now the player has the chance to prove the manager was right to back the youngster he has described as ‘fantastic’ to succeed.
Premier League minutes coming for Acheampong
He is almost certainly going to start tonight when the Blues take on Shamrock Rovers in their final group game, and there could be more minutes on the horizon.
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It has been claimed Premier League minutes are coming soon for Acheampong, whilst Maresca believes he would be best off staying at the club rather than being loaned away.
Reece James’ injury woes have opened up the opportunity for another academy graduate to begin to make his mark on the first team squad, and now is the time for Acheampong to do just that.
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