Although many Chelsea players have flourished under Enzo Maresca’s management, there are others on the fringes who are ready for more.
It has been a positive stint so far at Stamford Bridge for Enzo Maresca, 45, since he took charge as the head coach at the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign. Of course, the highlight to date has been the success of winning the Club World Cup and Conference League.
Last season, Maresca highlighted several Chelsea players who improved and took strides forward under him.
We think there may be individuals in the squad that are ready to emerge as key figures. In particular, one youngster is crying out for more minutes when the Blues return after October’s international break.
Chelsea's Josh Acheampong battles with Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister during a Premier League match.
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Josh Acheampong will level up if he gets the chance
We’re confident that Chelsea own a potentially top-class defender in Josh Acheampong.
Acheampong, 19, is a product of the Blues academy who’s got huge quality and composure at centre-back. He can even cover at right-back if needed, too.
He’s made 18 first-team appearances in total since his promotion to the senior group last season, including four games so far this campaign.
While we understand Maresca’s measured approach to slowly giving him more minutes over time, it now feels like the moment to take the handbrake off because he’s ready to be an important figure in the backline.
Acheampong, who’s been compared to Rio Ferdinand, looks extremely calm on the ball when he’s playing out from defence. The towering defender has great physicality and reading of the game as well.
It is quite telling that he’s stood out this season when he’s directly come up against Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, two of the elite strikers in the Premier League right now.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca looks on during a training session before a Champions League tie.
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Upcoming Chelsea fixtures are perfect for Josh Acheampong run
Chelsea play seven matches across all competitions before November’s international break. On paper, they are the type of fixture where they should be aiming for a winning streak, so we would love to see Acheampong heavily involved.
Acheampong, who just had a 100 per cent passing accuracy for England’s Under-21s side, needs consistent minutes to prove he’s ready for this level.
It will be tempting for Maresca to frequently rotate because of the numerous options at centre-half. As well as Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana will be eyeing a starting spot.
However, we’re confident that Acheampong will only go from strength to strength if he’s trusted more by his coach.