20-year-old Chelsea star pockets Europe’s scariest winger and gives Alonso huge decision
Josh Acheampong produced one of his strongest performances in a Chelsea shirt during Saturday’s 3-0 win over AC Milan, keeping Rafael Leão quiet as Xabi Alonso’s side recorded their first clean sheet of pre-season.
The 20-year-old started on the right of Chelsea’s back three and rarely looked uncomfortable against Milan’s most dangerous attacker. With the Blues still considering another centre-back before the window closes, Acheampong has given Alonso plenty to think about.
Leão provided Milan’s main attacking outlet during the first half, using his pace and power to carry the ball towards Chelsea’s penalty area.
Once he got there, however, opportunities were limited.
Chelsea’s official match report highlighted how Acheampong and Wesley Fofana kept Leão under control, while Robert Sánchez finished the afternoon without being forced into a save.
That is an encouraging sign for Acheampong.
Leão has spent several seasons establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous one-against-one forwards. Asking a 20-year-old defender to deal with those direct runs provided a serious examination, even in pre-season.
Acheampong responded with composure.
The Sun rated him 8/10 and Chelsea’s best defender against Milan, praising both his work against Leão and his ability to play out from the back.
Alonso’s system could suit Acheampong
The performance becomes even more interesting because of Chelsea’s change in shape.
Alonso used a 3-4-2-1 against Milan, with Acheampong alongside Fofana and Jorrel Hato. ReadChelsea’s tactical analysis of the victory looked at how closely the structure resembled the system Alonso used during his title-winning spell at Bayer Leverkusen.
Acheampong looks well suited to the right-sided centre-back role.
He has the pace to defend larger spaces when the wing-back pushes forward, while his comfort in possession allows Chelsea to build from deep without sacrificing control.
That versatility is important too. Acheampong can also operate at right-back, giving Alonso another way of adjusting his defence without making a substitution.
One friendly cannot establish him as an automatic starter, but Saturday provided compelling evidence that he can handle greater responsibility.
Chelsea are still considering defensive additions.
ReadChelsea reported on Friday that Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí would consider a move to Stamford Bridge, with the Serie A club seeking around €25million.
Adding another established defender could still make sense. Alonso needs depth across a long season and cannot build his plans around one encouraging pre-season performance.
Acheampong should nevertheless affect the conversation.
Chelsea already have a young defender capable of playing multiple positions, progressing the ball and competing physically against elite attackers. His performance against Leão showed why simply buying another centre-back should not automatically push him further down the queue.
The biggest challenge now is providing enough minutes for that development to continue.
Chelsea may still spend before the transfer window closes. After watching Acheampong handle one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards, Alonso has another reason to make sure the club also trusts what it already has.
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
Chelsea 3-4-2-1 gives Alonso blueprint after AC Milan win
Chelsea 3-4-2-1 gives Alonso blueprint after AC Milan win
What Pep Chavarria signing means for Chelsea and Jorrel Hato
What Pep Chavarria signing means for Chelsea and Jorrel Hato