Josh Acheampong’s first professional goal couldn’t have come at a better time. The 19-year-old headed Chelsea into the lead against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground and has since earned fresh praise: not just from fans, but from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Taking to Twitter, Romano highlighted Chelsea’s faith in the young defender and revealed just how significant their summer stance was regarding Acheampong’s future.
“First goal as professional for Josh Acheampong, key one for Chelsea and for the 19 year old defender,” Romano wrote.
“Full trust from the club and Enzo Maresca as Chelsea decided against signing new centre back in the summer also to let Acheampong develop, play and grow.”
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It’s a strong statement and helps explain why Chelsea opted against bringing in another centre back following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury during pre-season. Many expected the Blues to dip into the market, but the decision was made to keep faith in Acheampong’s development.
That trust is now starting to pay off. Acheampong may still be raw, but his physical attributes, confidence on the ball, and growing composure under pressure have given Enzo Maresca plenty to work with.
Maresca stays consistent with chances to Acheampong
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Tosin Adarabioyo returned to the bench today after recovering from a calf injury, but Maresca kept Acheampong in the XI. It echoes what he said earlier in the season that Acheampong had been preferred over other centre-backs in training and tactical plans.
This wasn’t just a case of covering injury gaps, it was a decision rooted in planning and belief.
There’s still work to do, and it’s early days, but Acheampong’s goal and performance today were another clear step in the right direction. Chelsea made a call to back a young defender over the summer, and so far, it’s looking like the right one.