While there were not too many positives for Chelsea fans to take from their opening day draw to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, the performance of one academy graduate did impress.
Josh Acheampong was handed just his fourth Premier League start for the club amid the injury problems for Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Acheampong impressed fans with his performance up against Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who will provide as tough a challenge as any young centre-back will face in this league.
There is clearly faith from the manager that he is ready to compete on the big stage. Enzo Maresca simply told Acheampong to play his game against Palace, and that helped contribute to the Blues picking up a clean sheet.
Josh Acheampong in action during Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Josh Acheampong praises the Chelsea academy after starring vs Crystal Palace
The youngster was promoted to first team football on a regular basis last season, with him and Tyrique George both being recent success stories of the impressive academy system.
Acheampong made sure to remember how important that was for his development and being ready to fit in with the first team squad seamlessly.
He said: “I think it’s a good role, to be fair. It’s a lot more chill and relaxed, but I think I’m getting used to it. It’s new and different, but the more I play it, the better I’ll get at it.
“Definitely. I think the academy philosophy is to play forward and break lines, so I just try to take that into first-team football as well.
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“I think, when we’re trying to win the game and it’s tough, always be switched on and focused, as they’re trying to score from any counter-attack, so just be ready.”
Chelsea academy players celebrate during Chelsea U21 v Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 - Premier League 2, Round of 16
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Acheampong’s chances of facing West Ham
Chelsea will face another London side in their second outing of the season, making the trip to take on West Ham at the London Stadium.
Colwill will definitely be absent, with him set to miss nearly the entire season due to an ACL injury, and Maresca has been sceptical over whether Tosin will be back in time.
This means Acheampong is very likely to be given the chance to feature again in what could be a big season of first team football for the youngster.
The only other potential option is Wesley Fofana. The Frenchman was fit enough to make the bench for the game against Palace.