Josh Acheampong scored his first senior goal on Saturday as Chelsea went on to beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the City Ground.
Acheampong opened the scoring after his head connected with Pedro Neto’s excellent cross.
Neto doubled Chelsea’s lead shortly afterwards with a strike from outside the box before Reece James volleyed home the Blues’ third.
Enzo Maresca was impressed with Acheampong’s performance and has now told him what to do to retain his spot. While it was a solid display, the defender is not taking all of the credit.
Josh Acheampong celebrates with Reece James after scoring for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Josh Acheampong grateful to Reece James
Acheampong’s captain, James, has come through the Chelsea academy just like him and has been part of the first team since 2019.
For Acheampong, James has been an inspiration for him on his own journey to the senior squad, and he has now thanked the 25-year-old following his goal against Forest.
Speaking after the game, Acheampong said (via Chelsea’s official club website): “It’s that inspiration to know you can come through the Academy and play for Chelsea first team. I’m so grateful to Reece and all the other Academy players because they’ve given me lots of support.
“It was a really good feeling to score. It’s quite surreal. I don’t remember it too much, but just a really good feeling. I don’t really remember much of the celebrations either, to be honest. I need to watch it back!”
Just as Maresca was, former Blues defender Jason Cundy was also impressed with Acheampong’s display.
With Benoit Badiashile joining Levi Colwill on the sidelines once again, Chelsea supporters should be seeing more of the young defender in the coming weeks.
The Blues’ next fixture is against Ajax in the Champions League. After that, they take on Sunderland in the Premier League.
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James tips Josh Acheampong for bright future
Unsurprisingly, when James spoke about Acheampong, he only had good things to say about his teammate.
As James discussed Acheampong following his excellent display at the City Ground, he said: “It’s amazing to see, he’s finally playing more regularly. He’s showing the world how good he is and what he’s capable of, he’s an amazing boy and an amazing player, long may it continue. He’s still so young, he has a super bright future and he will kick on for sure.”
There definitely is an opportunity for Acheampong to be a big player at Stamford Bridge in the near future. Maresca is having so many problems in central defence; Acheampong could end up securing a permanent spot in the Italian’s starting XI if he keeps on playing well.
Despite only being 19, Acheampong is extremely tall, standing at 6’3″. The England Under-21 international is strong as well yet good on the ball. He already looks like the perfect Premier League defender.