Chelsea fell to a 2-1 defeat in the Champions League to Atalanta, putting a massive dent in their hopes of finishing in the top eight.
Enzo Maresca’s side went ahead thanks to a Joao Pedro goal in the first half, but the Blues were made to pay for poor defending as they conceded twice in the second half.
The manager’s substitutions did not go as planned. Chelsea fans criticised the decision to bring Tosin Adarabioyo on after Wesley Fofana suffered an eye injury.
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The Blues had the option to move Reece James or Malo Gusto into the backline at this moment, which would have likely seen Josh Acheampong move into the centre-back role he has played most of his minutes in for the first team.
FBL-EUR-C1-ATALANTA-CHELSEA
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It was the first time the youngster had featured since the end of October, with many Chelsea fans left bemused at his absence from the starting side.
A 2-1 defeat could have been worse for Chelsea if Ademola Lookman had found the net early on, before a heroic block from Acheampong denied him from close range.
Michael Dawson was left in awe at the youngster’s intervention, describing the moment as ‘incredible’.
He said to Sky Sports: “Great play by Atalanta down the right. It has to be a goal, but Acheampong comes from absolutely nowhere! What a block. Incredible.”
Atalanta v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League
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Time for Maresca to put his faith in Acheampong
Unconvincing performances at centre-back from the likes of Benoit Badiashile should only make the decision easier for Maresca to put faith in Acheampong going forward.
The Italian has stated that he is looking to protect the Cobham graduate, but it is about time he puts the immediate priorities of the side first, and this is starting the teenager.
Acheampong must be in the Chelsea starting side when they line up against Everton on Saturday, and a move back to centre-back would allow one of Reece James or Malo Gusto to start at right-back.
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