Chelsea decided not to sign a new centre-back over the summer, however the impact of Josh Acheampong has been the closest thing to it.
After making only four Premier League appearances last season, Acheampong already has five under his belt this time around, as well as three games in the Champions League.
Chelsea believe Acheampong can become one of the best in the world, however he is still not playing as much as supporters would hope.
He is in a similar position to Estevao Willian, who despite lighting up Stamford Bridge whenever he appears, Enzo Maresca is protecting him from too many minutes at this early stage of his career.
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Gary Cahill says Josh Acheampong needs more minutes to improve
Former Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill is one person who has been won over by Acheampong, and has stated that he needs more game time in order to turn into the defender everyone believes he can be.
He told The Evening Standard: “Josh does need more game time to continue his development, but it’s difficult because he’s got players in front of him. He’s going to have to be patient.
“I like Josh. He is very comfortable on the ball and likes to carry the ball out from the back. When he’s been called upon, he’s played well. He just needs to keep performing well in training and show the manager that he’s more than capable.”
It is unlikely that the youngster is thrown in to start in the huge game against Arsenal, with Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana currently ahead in the pecking order it seems.
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Acheampong impressing other top clubs
Chelsea cannot leave it too long with the centre-back though, with other clubs around Europe taking note of his talents.
Fiorentina have been linked with Acheampong, who has also been on the radar of some of the real big dogs in the past.
Manchester City were interested in Acheampong over the summer, but Chelsea didn’t even entertain talks to part ways.
Maresca has been full of praise for Acheampong when he has played, and opportunities are surely going to come his way as the gruelling run of fixtures continues into the festive period.