Xabi Alonso has delivered a major vote of confidence in Josh Acheampong after the Chelsea academy graduate strengthened his claim for a permanent first-team role.
Acheampong has started Chelsea’s opening two competitive matches under Alonso, featuring against both Fulham and Luton despite changing defensive systems.
His emergence comes after Chelsea rejected interest in the 20-year-old earlier this summer, with ReadChelsea previously reporting that Crystal Palace had made an approach for Acheampong.
Alonso’s latest comments make Chelsea’s determination to retain him increasingly easy to understand.
"He has a lot of the attributes of a modern defender." 🔥
Xabi Alonso is pleased to have seen a real development in Josh Acheampong since he arrived at Chelsea ✨ pic.twitter.com/0GKmgg9RZm
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) August 28, 2026
Xabi Alonso praises Josh Acheampong progress
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton, Alonso praised both Acheampong’s physical qualities and his understanding of the game.
The Chelsea head coach told The Sun that the defender possesses “a lot of good attributes for a modern defender”.
Alonso highlighted Acheampong’s ability on the ball, tactical intelligence and capacity to operate in several positions.
Most significantly, he believes there has already been noticeable improvement during their short time working together.
Acheampong followed an encouraging display in Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Fulham with another assured performance during Thursday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory against Luton.
Alonso described both displays as solid and made clear Chelsea are pleased with his progress.
Acheampong earning bigger Chelsea role
Versatility could be particularly important.
Acheampong is capable of playing at right-back or centrally, giving Alonso another option alongside Reece James, Malo Gusto and Chelsea’s specialist centre-backs.
His performances also fit with several of the tactical decisions Alonso has made since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
ReadChelsea previously examined five early Xabi Alonso decisions that emerged from the Fulham victory, with the new head coach already showing a willingness to trust players regardless of age.
Acheampong then retained a starting role against Luton as Alonso rotated his side.
The youngster’s development does not guarantee an automatic starting position, however.
Alonso stressed that competition will increase across Chelsea’s squad and added: “We need to help him.”
Chelsea decision to keep Acheampong looks significant
Chelsea’s transfer stance now carries greater significance.
Rather than allowing Acheampong to leave in search of regular football, the Blues have kept him around Alonso’s senior squad.
Two competitive starts and a public endorsement from his manager suggest that decision was not simply about preserving the value of another Cobham graduate.
Acheampong appears to have a genuine opportunity.
There will inevitably be tougher spells as Alonso’s defensive options increase, but the opening weeks of the season have already changed the picture.
A player linked with leaving Chelsea this summer is now increasingly looking like an important part of their first-team plans.
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