Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso has taken an obvious liking to Josh Acheampong since taking over as the manager of Chelsea, and made sure to talk to his representatives to deliver assurances ahead of this season.
Acheampong had struggled to nail down regular minutes under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, however he has started four of Chelsea’s six games throughout this season.
The Cobham graduate has proven to be more reliable than Wesley Fofana when given the chance to feature, and Chelsea fans will be delighted that they kept hold of him over the summer.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Carabao Cup Third Round
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso is coming good on promise to Josh Acheampong
Acheampong’s father was concerned at his situation at Stamford Bridge, however Simon Phillips has stated that talks took place between all parties over the summer.
He stated on his Substack that Alonso used this opportunity to hand assurances to the defender, which convinced him to remain focused on making it in West London.
He said: “Alonso had a face to face meeting with the father of Josh Acheampong during the summer. The reason for this chat was because Acheampong’s team had become frustrated and concerned with the lack of minutes the defender had been getting at Chelsea so far, and as we reported over the summer, they had been looking at their options to leave the club.
“Chelsea rate Acheampong highly and had no interest in selling, but there was a belief in the industry that his team were going to push for a permanent move away, or at the very least, a loan move.
“In the end, Alonso offered assurances to Acheampong and his family that the youngster was very much in his first team plans, is rated highly by the Blues boss, and is part of his first team squad and would be getting more minutes.
“Obviously Alonso would also explain that minutes have to be fought for with good performances on the pitch, in training, and with a good work ethic and attitude. But he convinced Acheampong’s team that the 20-year-old is very much in his thinking going forward.”
A statstical comparison showing the number of duels won by Chelsea FC midfielders Valentin Barco and Romeo Lavia vs Hull City.
Credit: Photo by Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images/Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
He can never win in confrontations, he will often be squeezed out of the sideline, which is the situation with the least physical damage to him.
Liverpool were linked with Acheampong late in the transfer window, and a number of top European sides have been credited with interest in signing Chelsea’s latest academy graduate.
His exit could prove to be one of the biggest mistakes they make though, especially with a manager who has shown a preference to use a three-at-the-back system.
Acheampong has the ability to play at both centre-back and as a wing-back, and this has no doubt played into Alonso’s thinking when it comes to who he selects to build his defence around.
The youngster is clearly in those plans, and a simple discussion through the summer has proved to be very important for one of their most promising players.