Josh Acheampong’s performance against Liverpool put him top of the list of candidates to start for Chelsea at centre-back at the City Ground on Saturday, but it was still a big call from Enzo Maresca to select him.
Acheampong is only 19 and inexperienced at the highest level but continues to rise to the occasion whenever handed the opportunity. That is an invaluable trait, and one Maresca will already have noticed.
Maresca, who was watching from the stands during Nottingham Forest’s match, will have been suitably impressed by Acheampong’s performance while serving his one-game touchline punishment.
The teenager not only played in a defence that led Chelsea to just their third Premier League clean sheet of the season, but he also climbed up to head Pedro Neto’s corner past Matz Sels, completing a strong performance with his first professional goal.
Chelsea fend off German interest in key player
Romano disclosed on his YouTube channel today that Borussia Dortmund enquired about Acheampong during their discussions with Chelsea regarding [Carney] Chukwuemeka and [Aaron] Anselmino.
They were willing to take any arrangement, be it a permanent move, a loan with a buyout option, or anything else. Acheampong was wanted by Borussia Dortmund. The answer from Chelsea was no.
We don’t find it surprising. In addition to considering Acheampong a long-term, world-class player, they also realised they would need him this season once Levi Colwill’s injury was officially verified.
Despite Tosin returning to the bench, the adolescent was Enzo Maresca’s preferred man at the back against the Tricky Trees, so he’s finally receiving some playing time. Josh has a lot more to offer, so we hope this trend continues. Aaron Anselmino isn’t doing so well, but Dortmund knows a good player when they see one.
