Chelsea started the 2024-25 Premier League season with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
The key talking point before the game was Josh Acheampong’s inclusion in the starting eleven in Tosin Adarbioyo’s absence.
Adarabioyo suffered a minor injury in training this week, and Maresca did not think it was worth the risk with Levi Colwill already out long-term.
The central defender kept a clean sheet, suggesting that it was a successful decision, but what do the Chelsea fans think?
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea passes the ball during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Chelsea fans react to Josh Acheampong vs Crystal Palace
Chelsea fans had plenty to say about Acheampong on social media during the game versus Crystal Palace.
Some fans raised concerns that he’s still not ready to start for the Blues in Adarabioyo’s and Colwill’s absences through injury.
“Maresca was definitely right. Send Acheampong to Strasbourg for one year and sign a CB,” a supporter posted on X.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
One wrote: “Buildup from the back is too slow, can tell why he misses that CCB. Acheampong is too carry-heavy and needs them passes punched in between the lines.”
“Maresca watching that Acheampong mistake like,” another pointed out shortly after Acheampong misplaced a pass.
However, many Chelsea fans were convinced that Acheampong is ready to play first-team football this season.
“Josh Acheampong has been solid on the ball and fantastic defensively,” and “Acheampong has been far better than Chalobah in this match,” read two comments on X.
The central defender’s best moment came in the first half when he made a vital sliding tackle and then won a free-kick after gliding past Jean-Philippe Mateta.
“Acheampong gets the crowd on their feet by winning back-to-back 50/50 duels with Munoz and then Mateta,” a fan added.
“What a challenge from Acheampong. Has Stamford Bridge on their feet and roaring,” another said about the atmosphere in the stadium.
Steve Sidwell praises Josh Acheampong’s performance
Former Chelsea player Steve Sidwell praised Acheampong for showing great composure for an inexperienced defender.
“I don’t want to put the commentators’ curse on it, but Josh Acheampong has got on the ball twice and already driven past Jean-Philippe Mateta. Acheampong looks composed,” he said for BBC Sport.
Sidwell continued: “This is the chance Josh Acheampong needs. He’s getting a real chance to stake a claim in this team. I have been impressed with his leadership qualities. A really bright start for him.”
Acheampong probably did not do enough to prove he should be in Maresca’s starting eleven, but he could definitely be an important squad player.