Liverpool are looking at Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong as a possible defensive addition this summer.
Liverpool are among several clubs tracking Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong ahead of the summer, with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United also said to be monitoring him.
A report from CaughtOffside claims Chelsea view Acheampong as untouchable, though his contract situation and homegrown status mean the door is ajar.
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Virgil van Dijk pictured in action during the Netherlands' UEFA Nations League match against Hungary (Credit: Getty Images/Photo by Andre Weening/BSR Agency).
Alisson Becker pictured during Brazil's Copa America match against Costa Rica (Getty Images/PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP).
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for France during their FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine (Credit: Getty Images/Franco Arland).
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring during Argentina's FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Brazil (Credit: Getty Images/Marcelo Endelli).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andre Weening/BSR Agency/Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Franco Arland/Marcelo Endelli
The report adds that bids in the region of £25 million could test Chelsea’s stance if Liverpool’s interest becomes formal.
Why Josh Acheampong would be perfect for Liverpool
Acheampong is only 19, but Chelsea already trust him in senior football. He has come through Cobham into the first team, built Premier League experience, and shown he can handle high-level minutes without looking overwhelmed.
He has 12 appearances in the league this season and five in the Champions League, mostly as a substitute. He did start at Anfield earlier this season, when Chelsea sunk Liverpool with a last-minute winner.
Alexis Mac Allister against Josh Acheampong of Chelsea
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Having covered a fair bit of the Blues earlier this season, I can confidently say this is one of the best young defensive prospects in the country. Acheampong is physically able for the demands of senior football, and plays with a composure and confidence you don’t often see from teenagers in the back line.
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His 92% passing accuracy on decent volume shows this, as does his elite dribbling numbers for a Premier League centre-back, completing 76% of the 1.6 carries he makes every 90 minutes.
He can operate as a centre-back or a right-back, even sometimes moving up into the midfield. That sort of versatility matters more and more in the modern game, especially for a Liverpool side that has been caught short in those positions.
Pace, power and technical ability are the facets of Acheampong’s game that make him so exciting. He has shown himself as a real set-piece threat as well.
Sure, the Reds have their fair share of young defensive talent. Jeremy Jacquet is coming to Liverpool at the end of the season, joined by the recovering Giovanni Leoni.
But the Chelsea academy gem plays with a maturity beyond his years, and his ability to play as a more defensive full-back or occasionally a number six means there is still room for him alongside the two current centre-back prospects.
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Declan Rice runs with the ball as Curtis Jones chases him during Liverpool's Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield.
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Acheampong has also earned England Under-21 recognition, which tells its own story about how he is viewed outside Chelsea as well.
For Liverpool, that is the attraction. He looks like a modern defender, adaptable, composed, and still young enough to grow into a world-class defender.
Chelsea won’t want to lose Acheampong, but money talks, especially at Stamford Bridge. The teenager has previously voiced his desire for an increased role, and while that might not be an immediate possibility, he may buy into the Anfield project more.
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