The 18-year-old Josh Acheampong danced past two fellow Shamrock Rovers players in the 13th minute of his electrifying first Chelsea start at Stamford Bridge; as a result, he stole the show, and the opposition wondered if they had made the right play choices. “Oohs” and “aahs” bounced off the stands, a moment where that was not possible just a few years ago. But the defender, who was injured during the turbulent period over contracts with Jose, has proven himself to be Chelsea’s new big thing.
Josh Acheampong: "My goal is to be known as a club legend, so just hard work every day, and doing whatever I can to make it."
(@ChelseaFC)
— Chels HQ (@Chels_HQ) December 19, 2024
And this notion of Acheampong’s story is a dramatic rollercoaster of raw talent, patience, and drama. Certainly an underdog story, but the only difference is that the underdog possibility at the club began at eight years old and had dazzling dribbling skills and a fan base the size of Stamford Bridge.
Josh Acheampong: The Bumpy Road to Stardom
And, as you’d expect, Acheampong found himself in a bit of an awkward situation earlier this year. Chelsea wanted him to sign a long-term extension, and with his contract ending in 2026, he can retire a Chelsea player. No squad—senior or academy—was called up by Acheampong, with all talks lasting longer than a VAR decision on a tight offside call stretching two months. It wasn’t injuries or bad form—it was boardroom chess.
A Defender with Star Power
Fast forward to Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers, and Acheampong put up the reason why the club is all scratching and clawing to keep him. He isn’t simply filling a squad role for Chelsea in the third-choice right-back position behind Reece James and Malo Gusto but is pushing boundaries. His versatility as a center back or right back has kept him in coach Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Josh Acheampong: "My goal is to be known as a club legend, so just hard work every day, and doing whatever I can to make it."
(@ChelseaFC)
— Chels HQ (@Chels_HQ) December 19, 2024
My Take on Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong might just go on to be the next big thing at Chelsea, something I’ve seen plenty of come and go. Grit, maturity, a little flair, and reading like a fun book to be a shepherd at the start of his journey like that. Furthermore, when you look at him playing, it’s like the person finds a gem at a clearance sale; it’s a steal, and you just hope you made it.
Why Chelsea Fans Love Him
Chelsea fans have always had a soft spot for academy graduates, and Josh ticks all the boxes:
Skill? Check.
Passion? Double-check.
The ability to make opposition players doubt their career choices? Absolutely.
During the Shamrock Rovers game, his dribbling was a masterclass, and his defensive solidity allowed the fans to witness what could be the future. Moreover, although he’s yet to dislodge James and Gusto from their perch near the top of the pecking order, Acheampong has played well enough recently to make it likely he won’t remain on the fringes of contention for longer.
What’s Next for Josh Acheampong?
With his contract sorted, Acheampong can now focus on achieving his bold ambition: becoming a Chelsea legend. So, the club has given him every opportunity, from first-team training to having his own locker at Cobham. But if Josh’s performances against Shamrock Rovers and Astana are anything to go by, he is ready to repay that faith.
For Chelsea fans, it is always very special to see a homegrown talent make it through to the first team. “They can put John Terry and Frank Lampard in one breath, and I want to be mentioned in theirs; that’s the challenge I’ve got,” Josh Acheampong told skysports.com.
Therefore, here’s to Josh Acheampong: the arrival of the kid who was lurking in the shadows of contract limbo and who’s now a Stamford Bridge superstar. We hope his story continues in the form of dazzling footwork, unwavering commitment and a few more “oohs” and “aahs.”
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