Josh Acheampong has been outstanding for Chelsea in recent appearances with the Cobham graduate starting to establish himself as an integral figure under Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso during Chelsea's win over Manchester United(Image: Glyn Kirk/AFP)
View 3 Images
Enzo Maresca famously declared that he had "fallen in love" with Josh Acheampong after his performance in a 3-0 win over Legia Warsaw in April 2025. After completing the full 90 minutes in the Polish capital, Acheampong didn't make a single appearance in the Premier League for the remainder of the season.
The following campaign, after making just one appearance in Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph in the United States, Maresca put his faith in Acheampong for the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace. The Cobham graduate shone for the Blues in a goalless draw with the Eagles, yet he was dropped to the bench for the trip to West Ham United the following week.
Remarkably given his performance on matchday one, Acheampong didn't feature again for the west Londoners until matchday five, where he made a cameo appearance in the home defeat to Brighton. After that, Maresca used Acheampong more regularly for the next month, until he once again fell out of favour under the former Chelsea head coach.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Acheampong was more of a regular fixture when Liam Rosenior took over but even then, Chelsea supporters were desperate to see more of the academy star, especially because those around him weren't exactly setting the world alight with their performances.
That all led to this summer. At 20 years old, it is a crucial time in Acheampong's career. It's not make or break by any means; the versatile defender has time on his side, but from a development point of view, these next few years are paramount.
He wasn't short of suitors in the summer, either. Numerous Premier League clubs, and a few from abroad, chiefly Bayern Munich, were interested in Acheampong's situation at Stamford Bridge. They may have felt at the time that they could give the defender greater assurances than Chelsea could.
There were several approaches from potential suitors but Chelsea were stubborn in their response: Acheampong is not going anywhere and is untouchable this summer. At the time, Stamford Bridge insiders promised Acheampong would be a key part of the first-team squad for the upcoming season but similar had been said in the past and not been followed through.
This time, though, it feels different. Acheampong has been a key cog in Xabi Alonso's Chelsea system - particularly since the international break.
Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong has been excellent for Chelsea in recent times(Image: Mike Hewitt)
View 3 Images
After Acheampong returned from England Under-21 duty last month, he has played every possible minute in Chelsea's five matches. If Acheampong completes a seventh full 90 of this Premier League season against Sunderland next weekend, he will, staggeringly, overtake his total minutes from last term.
Acheampong's role under Alonso seems to suit him down to the ground. While Chelsea build up in a three-back system, where he is the right-sided central defender, he then slots to full-back when the opposition has possession.
There have been question marks over the Cobham graduate's defensive abilities during his time in the Blues first team, but this season he has shown clear improvement in that regard. In possession, though, there are no question marks whatsoever.
Acheampong is a Rolls-Royce with the ball at his feet. His powerful runs from defence into midfield, and sometimes attack, have become a trademark of his. Sometimes when Chelsea are struggling with their build-up play from defence, having Acheampong to do this is a welcome weapon in Alonso's armoury.
Josh Acheampong in action for Chelsea in their win over Manchester United
Josh Acheampong produced a fine performance in Chelsea's win over Manchester United(Image: Justin Setterfield)
View 3 Images
As mentioned above, Chelsea view Acheampong as untouchable and a significant part of their long-term vision. That means contract talks should follow, with his current deal at Stamford Bridge set to expire in less than three years' time.
Chelsea have already tied down fellow 'untouchables' Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, Reece James and Cole Palmer to new-and-improved contracts. Acheampong is going the right way about earning an extension as well.
Get YOUR Chelsea Newsletter
All the best news, features, updates and analysis from Bobby Vincent and more straight to your Inbox!
Yours in just two simple steps.
Enter your email and hit Subscribe.