The Chelsea academy has produced several incredible young talents over the years, and they might have another one on their hands in the form of Josh Acheampong.
The 19-year-old broke into the Chelsea first team last season and has become a regular in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
The English teenager can operate as a centre-half or right-back in the defence, but he’s been covering in a central position so far this campaign.
On Saturday, Acheampong stepped into the Blues starting line-up and impressed in the 2-1 Premier League victory at home to Liverpool.
His performance earned praise from the likes of legends like Alan Shearer, who couldn’t stop raving about Acheampong’s heroics.
Acheampong looked at ease in the heart of Chelsea’s defence alongside Benoit Badiashile as Chelsea eased passed Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
John Obi Mikel excited by Josh Acheampong’s potential
On the back of his performance against Liverpool, Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has tipped Acheampong for a bright future.
His advice to the Blues academy graduate is to bulk up in the gym, but he thinks he’s got all the qualities to be fantastic moving forward.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said: “Acheampong, young, talented player. He was fantastic [against Liverpool]. Strong, quick, good on the ball, likes to play out from the back…
“Acheampong, every time I see the kid play, so much potential for such a young player. He has so many years ahead of him. He’s just going to improve and get stronger, physically as well. He needs to get stronger.
“He needs to get in the gym. If he does that, he’s going to be a brilliant player. Very good on the ball. Quick. He had Isak in his pocket. I think a couple of times when he went into duels, he won those challenges.”
While Acheampong has given a good account of himself in the absence of Levi Colwill and other defenders, it will be interesting to see who Enzo Maresca picks as his first-choice centreback once everyone becomes available to him again.
Meanwhile, Acheampong has the opportunity to make one of the centreback positions his own in the absence of others.
Chelsea news and related links
