Enzo Maresca will be delighted with the impact Josh Acheampong has made so far on Chelsea this season, and now we could be about to see him feature in a new position on the pitch.
After starting the opening game of the season, Acheampong has been a regular in the matchday squad for Chelsea, scoring his first professional goal against Nottingham Forest.
Alan Shearer believes Acheampong is improving every single game, and this has perhaps been why many Chelsea fans currently believe he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Despite making appearances in the academy as a right-back, the youngster has predominantly featured at the heart of defence since breaking through as a first team star.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Fourth Round
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Josh Acheampong considered as option in midfield by Enzo Maresca
However, it looks as if Maresca has noticed his abilities could make him a useful asset in the middle of midfield too.
The Italian said in his Qarabag pre-match press conference that with Dario Essugo’s long-term injury, Acheampong is one of the players who he has considered using in that role if required.
He said to the 5th Stand: “[Dario Essugo] is out for a while. We have to wait maybe until the New Year. December, maybe January. Moi is doing well, Romeo covers that position, Andrey Santos has covered in that position. We have also used Josh or Reece there. We try to find solutions.”
Enzo Maresca addresses the media during Chelsea Training Session and Press Conference
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Maresca continuing to protect Acheampong
The temptation to throw the defender in to every possible game must be large for the manager right now, however he is continuing to remain patient with his special young talent.
Maresca explained he replaced Acheampong vs Sunderland due to cramp, and will be wary that he does not put too many minutes into his legs early on that could cause long-term injury problems.
The same is currently taking place with Estevao Willian in attack, who despite performing very well remains out of the regular starting side.
This patience will pay off in the long-term. Supporters only need to look at the long-term effects on players like Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka have suffered with injuries after featuring heavily in the early days of their careers.