After producing a defensive masterclass in England U21’s stalemate against Andorra, Josh Acheampong has sparked a fresh tactical debate on his best position at Chelsea.
Josh Acheampong’s season has been a year of transition, with a more rotational role under Liam Rosenior.
The 19-year-old academy graduate has made 22 appearances across all competitions, including his first senior goal against Nottingham Forest in October. However, since the arrival of Rosenior and the mid-season recall of Mamadou Sarr, Acheampong’s minutes have become more sporadic.
While primarily utilised as a right-back at Chelsea due to his recovery pace and crossing ability, his recent performance for England U21s against Andorra highlighted his long-term potential in a central role.
Especially with Chelsea currently suffering from a bit of a centre-back crisis.
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Josh Acheampong’s England Under-21 display vs Andorra
In a disappointing 1-1 draw with Andorra, Josh Acheampong was one of the shining lights.
He looked way better at centre-back than at right-back. He was super dominant, won everything, and his physicality and pace were on full show.
Acheampong played twice at centre-back under Liam Rosenior in the Premier League before he decided his permanent position would be at right-back, while Enzo Maresca played him at centre-back in five out of his seven games in the top-flight.
Interestingly, Rosenior actually sees Acheampong as a centre-back long-term, but he’s operated at right-back in his last four appearances for Chelsea.
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Chelsea risk losing Josh Acheampong
Interestingly, Josh Acheampong sees his future at centre-back, so he won’t be too pleased with his regular role as a right-back.
As well as this, the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Newcastle United are all eyeing a move for the defender, so he’ll have plenty of options.
This could be another situation where Chelsea let a player leave too early after failing to provide them with enough minutes.
In the midst of a crisis at centre-back and an injury to Trevoh Chalobah, there really is no better time to give Acheampong a run in his favoured position.
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