As the Blues continue their preparation for the Conference League final, few stories capture the spirit of the moment quite like that of Josh Acheampong’s rise this season.
The young defender, a proud product of our renowned Academy at Cobham, has emerged as one of the breakout names of our European campaign, making his mark with mature performances throughout our run. After being inducted into the men's first team building at the training ground, alongside fellow graduate [Tyrique George](/en/teams/profile/tyrique-george), Josh has continued to go from strength to strength.
And now, with a major final on the horizon, Acheampong is relishing the opportunity to make his mark and potentially lift silverware in a moment which would carry special meaning for the young Blue.
‘I’m really excited to be potentially part of history, and I can’t wait,’ Josh opened. ‘It means a lot as someone from the Academy, and to say I have the opportunity to win a trophy with the first team is amazing.
‘Our preparation has been the same for every game, and I think that’s been important. I like to be focused and give it 100 per cent.’
The 19-year-old feels like the set-up within the Academy at Cobham has given players like him and George the perfect tuition and foundation to help make a positive contribution on the first-team stage.
‘I definitely feel like the Academy has given me the platform to go into games like this,’ he explained.
‘All my Academy experiences, the tours we went on, the games we played, I feel like it sets you up for finals and big moments. It’s also great to be able to do it with Tyrique as well.
‘Having won trophies with the academy, it is always a special feeling. You always feel really proud and it’s always a sense of achievement, and to do it at a first team level would be even more exciting.’
Josh has also been delighted with his game time in the European competition, making his first Chelsea start against FC Astana back in December before featuring a further six times, including every single minute of our quarter-final and semi-final ties.
The England Under-20 international - who made his Chelsea debut with a brief cameo against Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season - already has 13 first team outings in all competitions.
He said: ‘The Conference League has been a great stepping stone for me to experience men’s football, and it’s been great fun.
‘The manager has been really encouraging and important in that journey from the Academy as well. He’s given me a lot of confidence, and hopefully we can go all the way on Wednesday.’
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