It is fair to say that Chelsea fans were really happy with one of their players after his performance against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Blues beat their opponents 3-0, with Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James all getting their names on the scoresheet.
After the game, James was quick to praise Acheampong, who scored his first senior goal for Chelsea.
However, the 25-year-old was not the only one who was impressed with the young defender’s display.
Josh Acheampong celebrates with Reece James after scoring for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest.
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Josh Acheampong received ‘big ovation’ from Chelsea supporters
After an excellent performance against Forest, Acheampong was taken off and replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo just after the 80th minute.
Chelsea supporters made sure to acknowledge his wonderful display as they gave him a “big ovation”, a scene captured by journalist Bobby Vincent.
Although he only got to play around 10 minutes, Adarabioyo’s appearance was quite a significant one.
Adarabioyo set a record under Enzo Maresca, becoming the first player aged 28 or over to make an appearance for Chelsea since the Italian took over.
It shows just how young Maresca‘s squad is. Despite being such a young team, they are still a capable one because of talented players such as Acheampong and really excite supporters at times.
Josh Acheampong celebrating in front of Chelsea fans
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Josh Acheampong deserves to start against Ajax
Chelsea’s next game is a home fixture against Ajax in the Champions League. Given that it is a Champions League match at Stamford Bridge, Acheampong will want to start and he deserves to.
Maresca has had a lot of injury problems in central defence this season, resulting in the 19-year-old getting an opportunity there. And it is an opportunity that he has taken.
Trevoh Chalobah has come up with a couple of goals for Chelsea in the current campaign, but the England international has looked a bit shaky recently.
Ultimately, it should be Acheampong and then perhaps Adarabioyo or Wesley Fofana who start against Ajax next Wednesday. Fofana was rested on Saturday so should be fresh for the Ajax game.