After another summer of big spending at Stamford Bridge, it is ironic that one of the surprise performers of the season has been a graduate of Chelsea’s academy.
Josh Acheampong has turned a number of heads with his performances for the first team this season, after being promoted from Cobham around 12 months ago.
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Gary Cahill wants to see more of Acheampong in a Chelsea shirt, however appearances have remained hard to come by in recent weeks for the youngster.
He started three consecutive Premier League games in October, but has not come off the bench in their last four in the competition.
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Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah performances ‘only thing’ holding Josh Acheampong back at Chelsea
The last two huge games against Barcelona and Arsenal have seen Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah start together, with the duo starting to find some form of their own at the back.
Maresca told journalist Lloyd Canfield that the good performances of these two are the only thing that is holding the youngster back from making more appearances for the Blues.
He said: “He’s very good. The only thing, I mean, it’s something nice for me, and it’s something nice for the club, is that at the moment our central defenders are doing very well.
“Wes is doing well, Trev is doing well. Josh is doing well. This is what we need in terms of central defenders. It’s just a matter to find the right moment when we give him the chance.”
Enzo Maresca and Josh Acheampong in conversation during the Club World Cup.
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Outside interest in Acheampong
Maresca cannot afford to wait too long before giving the England U21 international genuine opportunities at Stamford Bridge, with other clubs taking note of his abilities.
Fiorentina have recently been linked with Acheampong, and he has previously been on the radar of other top European sides.
With Real Madrid and Manchester City’s name being mentioned in the past, it is clear that the Blues have a serious talent on their hands that they can’t let slip through their fingers.
The first opportunity to rectify this comes against Leeds United, as the brutal festive fixture list continues to come their way in rapid fashion.