Enzo Maresca elected to rotate his Chelsea side heavily for the crucial third group stage game at the Club World Cup against ES Tunis.
Despite the likes of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella remaining on the bench, the Blues came through as comfortable 3-0 winners.
Amid the changes, there was a first start of the competition for Josh Acheampong. The youngster started at right-back, but also featured on the left of defence.
There is plenty of optimism over the future of the defender. Benoit Badiashile has tipped Acheampong to be a top player in the future.
However, after breaking into the first team his minutes have been limited. The boss has preferred to utilise both Reece James and Malo Gusto.
Josh Acheampong dribbles the ball during FIFA Club World Cup Group D Esperance Sportive de Tunis v Chelsea FC
Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Chelsea fans wowed by ‘freak talent’ Josh Acheampong vs ES Tunis
There is certainly an argument that the Frenchman’s poor recent form should see Acheampong handed more chances, and Chelsea fans seem to agree with that line of thinking.
Supporters took to social media after the game to praise the youngster, describing him as ‘special’ and stating they want to see more of him going forwards.
One user said: “Maresca needs to put more trust in Acheampong, this kid is special. Every time he plays, he showcases his talent to the fullest. Understands his role in our system too, he should be James’ backup.”
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Another stated: “Acheampong is like 6’5 and glides past players like Kovacic, what have we produced man.”
A third added: “Josh Acheampong is a freak talent. He’s so good, type of cobham grad who should be getting all the hype which Chalobah does. His ball carrying, how comfortable he is playing with it is insane.”
Another claimed: “Acheampong is a crazy, crazy talent. His ability to keep control of the ball in his stride and even when it doesn’t look like it carry the ball and be successful with it 80% of the time at his age is super rare. It’s also super rare to have a CB/RB with his height with such gluey feet and springiness like he does. His ability 1v1 is top. He will learn how to pick his runs too at time he can over do it but he’s young he will definitely improve. He’s a star.”
Finally, one user said: “Josh Acheampong is a really talented player. Hope he gets more minutes for Chelsea, looks incredibly mature for his age man.”
Enzo Maresca and Josh Acheampong in conversation during ES Tunis and Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
Acheampong could still be on the move
Despite impressing whenever he gets on the pitch, someone with the quality of Acheampong deserves to be playing regular first team football.
It was reported that Bayern Munich were prepared to make Acheampong a key player, however this season saw him extend his stay at Chelsea.
A number of top sides are interested in Acheampong, and Maresca will need to hand him sufficient minutes to convince him he can have a future at Stamford Bridge.
It is a similar situation to Andrey Santos. The Brazil international made his competitive debut for the club in the 3-0 win.