Chelsea booked their place in the Europa Conference League final last night with a routine 1-0 victory over Swedish outfit Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half strike was enough to secure a 5-1 aggregate win, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing Real Betis in the final at the end of the month.
The Blues have reached their eighth major European final, looking to add to their two Champions League and two Europa League triumphs in previous years.
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Given their form in the competition, it would be a surprise to no one that Maresca’s men are the favourites to go all the way - topping off a superb first year in the role for the Italian.
Numerous players impressed during the second leg victory, potentially handing the manager a selection headache ahead of the remaining Premier League fixtures.
Chelsea’s star performers against Djurgarden
Alongside scoring the goal that clinched another win, midfielder Dewsbury-Hall enjoyed an evening to remember, producing numerous impressive figures throughout.
The 26-year-old created three chances - the most of any player in the match - whilst also completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted, showcasing the threat he carried in attacking areas.
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He wasn’t the only star to impress at the Bridge last night, with 16-year-old academy graduate Reggie Walsh getting the opportunity to start from the off after his cameo last week.
The teenager impressed with the opportunity, completing 91% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning four fouls and posing a serious threat to the opposition despite his tender age.
However, despite the showings by the aforementioned duo, one other Blues star managed to impress, with the boss simply unable to drop him from the side after such a positive showing.
The Chelsea star who now looks undroppable after Djurgarden
The Europa Conference League run has been extremely beneficial for Maresca over the last few months, handing the manager the opportunity to fully evaluate the players at his disposal.
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Many players, like Walsh, have taken the chance handed to them with both hands, but the same can’t be said for others, with departures likely over the summer window.
That being said, investment is also to be expected in West London as the club looks to push towards the summit of the Premier League during the 2025/26 campaign.
However, such events shouldn’t affect youngster Josh Acheampong, who’s managed to go from strength to strength after originally being frozen out during the early stages of the Maresca reign.
The 19-year-old featured for the entirety of the clash once again last night, thriving in the side as the Blues booked their place in the final of yet another final.
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He registered a staggering 122 touches on the ball, completing 85 passes at a completion rate of 91% - not looking out of place in the first-team ranks despite his youthful years.
Acheampong also managed to make 10 passes into the final third and won two tackles, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch during the triumph - leading to journalist Nizaar Kinsella labelling him as “Chelsea’s best player”.
Josh Acheampong's stats for Chelsea against Djurgarden
Statistics (per 90)
Minutes played
Touches
Passes completed
Passes into final third
Tackles won
Fouls won
Duels won
Stats via Sofascore
To top off his magnificent showing, the teenager was handed a 7/10 match rating by The Express’ Dom Smith, highlighting how impressive he was during the meeting at the Bridge.
After such a display, Maresca can’t drop the academy gem, handing him a selection headache ahead of the weekend’s huge clash with Newcastle United.
The Blues need an excellent end to the campaign if they are to secure Champions League football for next season, with Acheampong deserving of the opportunity to help the club in their quest.
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