Troy Deeney picked three Chelsea players in his Premier League Team of the Week, including Blues youngster Josh Acheampong.
On Saturday afternoon, Chelsea recorded a comprehensive 3-0 league victory away to Nottingham Forest. It leaves Enzo Maresca’s side fifth in the division table after eight games.
Josh Acheampong, 19, will never forget the weekend’s fixture because the academy graduate scored his first-ever senior goal. Afterwards, club legend John Terry hailed Acheampong because of the teenager’s headed goal.
He’s now looked extremely impressive at centre-half in back-to-back league victories for Chelsea, so will he now get an extended run in the starting lineup?
Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong competing with Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi in the Premier League.
Photo by Paul Bonser/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Troy Deeney blown away by Josh Acheampong
According to Troy Deeney, Acheampong has the potential to be the long-term future of Chelsea’s defence.
He was majorly impressed by the English defender after his performance against Forest and included him in his Premier League Team of the Week.
Deeney told BBC Sport: “Josh Acheampong (Chelsea): At just 19 years old, he is the future of Chelsea at centre-back. I know he will come out of the team at some point this season but he was so calm, kept the ball, kept it moving and did all his jobs really well. For a player his age to be so efficient was excellent.”
Yet again, Acheampong was extremely composed and strong in Chelsea colours at the City Ground. Regardless of whether he’s playing centre-back or right-back, he looks confident, mature and decisive in his decision-making.
It is yet another proud moment for the Blues academy that one of their products is shining in the first-team group.
Even though German giants Borussia Dortmund enquired about Acheampong in the summer, Chelsea rejected their approaches and are starting to use him more regularly during the 2025-26 campaign.
Reece James celebrates scoring for Chelsea with Moises Caicedo against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James and Moises Caicedo join Team of the Week
On top of Acheampong, Deeney also included Chelsea duo Reece James and Moises Caicedo in his Team of the Week for their key contributions against Forest.
He told BBC Sport: “Reece James (Chelsea): I was critical of him to take time out from England, but when you do that you have to put a performance on and he did. He was fantastic at right-back in the 3-0 win at Forest, a real captain’s performance and capped with a goal. He kept Chelsea solid, especially after a really poor first half, and in the second half his quality shone through.
Deeney further added: “Moises Caicedo (Chelsea): I was at the Chelsea match and Caicedo just changed the game. He came on at half-time when Chelsea were 20 to 30% off their game, and everyone raised their game. He came in, kept the ball, kept it solid and instantly Chelsea score. Arguably the best holding midfielder in world football. I would say certainly in the top four and Chelsea struggle without him.”
Player Club
Martin Dubravka Burnley
Reece James Chelsea
Josh Acheampong Chelsea
Harry Maguire Manchester United
Axel Tuanzebe Burnley
Nico O’Reilly Manchester City
Moises Caicedo Chelsea
Yehor Yarmolyuk Brentford
Erling Haaland Manchester City
Jean-Philippe Mateta Crystal Palace
Danny Welbeck Brighton
Chelsea captain James, 25, scored and assisted against Forest to underline his importance at right-back. As for Caicedo, the 23-year-old midfielder made a gigantic impact to turn the game in his team’s favour after coming on as a half-time substitute.
Without a doubt, they are senior figures and two of the most important players at Stamford Bridge.