Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
When Chelsea announced their team to play Arsenal, there were some big omissions.
Moises Caicedo has been struggling with an injury and did not recover in time to make the starting XI.
Meanwhile, Levi Colwill was dropped to the bench and replaced by 20-year-old Josh Acheampong.
Chelsea XI vs Arsenal
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso has put his faith in Josh Acheampong
Before the game, Xabi Alonso revealed that Colwill has also been dealing with a small fitness problem, hence Acheampong’s inclusion.
It was a bold move, as Alonso could have easily started Jorrel Hato in central defence. The Dutchman is the same age as Acheampong, but he has far more experience than his teammate.
In a game of this magnitude, it would have been a safer bet. It is perhaps the route that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca would have gone down.
Maresca was reluctant to use Acheampong, preferring the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Alonso, on the other hand, appears to trust Acheampong. This is his second start in the Premier League this season, with the defender featuring in all of the Blues’ games so far.
In Chelsea’s opener against Fulham, Acheampong made the highest number of defensive contributions, showing what he can bring to the pitch when given an opportunity.
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Why Josh Acheampong will continue getting opportunities this season
Whatever happens by the full-time whistle, Acheampong should be in line for more opportunities between now and the final game of the season.
Under Alonso, Chelsea have been playing in a back three, while Chalobah, Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile are not at the club.
There is an extra spot in central defence for the England Under-21 international to compete for and fewer rivals for it.
Acheampong attracted a lot of interest during the summer transfer window, but Chelsea decided to keep hold of their academy product and it is already proving to be the right decision. Maresca may have had a doubt or two, but Alonso looks convinced.