Enzo Maresca was forced to watch Chelsea’s win against Nottingham Forest from the stands, however he still impressed John Terry with one decision he made.
The Blues put the final nail in Ange Postecoglou’s coffin at the City Ground with a 3-0 victory away from home with Josh Acheampong marking the occasion with his first goal for the club.
Reece James was amongst those praising Acheampong after the game, with him putting in a top performance for the second successive Premier League game.
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
John Terry praises Enzo Maresca for starting Josh Acheampong vs Nottingham Forest
Chelsea fans have been calling to see more of Acheampong in recent weeks, and club legend Terry was a huge fan of the decision to start him against Forest.
He said: “Great win and performance against Forest today. The perfect start after the international break.
“Delighted for Josh as well to get his first senior goal for the football club, and also great to see the manager showing faith in our younger players as well, and also repaid the faith of the manager with a goal, always great for the centre-half to get a goal.”
Terry is a shining example to Acheampong of what can be achieved by top defenders coming through at the club. The Englishman went on to become a club legend after breaking through the academy.
Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo both made their returns to action, however the youngster should feel confident that his recent performances will put him in good stead to continue his run in the team.
Josh Acheampong celebrates with Reece James after scoring for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Acheampong starring for club and country
As well as starring for Chelsea, Acheampong has established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet for the U21s.
He started at centre-back for both games during the international break, despite coming off against Liverpool due to an injury concern.
Acheampong completed every single pass he attempted in a win over Moldova, and playing out from the back is certainly something that has been missing since Levi Colwill’s absence through injury.
It does look as if Maresca sees Acheampong higher in the pecking order than one big name star, with Wesley Fofana not in the squad to face Forest.